Yesterday, I wrote a post about why a parent should consider teaching their baby/toddler sign language. Today, I'd like to talk about the "how to's."
First of all, if you do not know any sign language at all, you need to learn a few signs! You are the teacher for your little one. Here is a great starter list. (There is also a great downloadable file linked on that same page.)
You want to focus on signs that mean something to your child, things that are important or special. MILK, MORE, EAT, MOMMY, DADDY, etc.
Next, start using the sign every time you say the word (I'll capitalize the signed word for clarification). "Baby, do you want some MILK?" "Do you want MORE bananas?"
You can begin signing with your baby/toddler as soon as you know the signs. We began signing with Ladybug at birth, realizing that she may not re-create a sign for 6-9 months. Every baby is different, and just like with every other milestone, your baby will catch on at different rate than other babies. Ladybug first signed MORE at 4.5 months - we were thrilled! She didn't re-create another sign for 2 more months, but we were consistent and kept signing with her.
Consistency is key in teaching your baby sign. If they do not sign back to you within a week, or even a month, don't get discouraged. And keep in mind that babies don't have the fine motor development that you do, so baby's signs may be approximations, or close similarities, to the real sign. Just keep showing baby the correct sign and give lots of praise and affirmation for their attempts.
Decide what your goals are with using sign language. Is it lay the foundation of teaching a second language? Do you want your baby to know a few basic signs so that can communicate their needs before verbal speech develops?
We want to teach Ladybug American Sign Language as a second language, so Hubby and I are continually learning new signs to teach her. You can use a variety of sources. We are primarily self-taught, using on-line resources and books. I also belong to a Yahoo! discussion group, and I continually get new ideas for signing with Ladybug.
Teaching your baby sign language is a rewarding endeavor. Ladybug is now 13 months old, and she is learning new signs all the time. It's fun to watch her learn, and I love being able to communicate with my daughter.
Here are a few pictures of Ladybug signing: the first one is ALL DONE and the second is her approximation of MORE.
Happy Signing!
14 comments:
This is just too CUTE! What a beautiful baby!
Ladybug, what a great mom you have! Must be largely in part because you're so darned cute and smart to boot. *huggies*
My David uses the same sign for MORE! The ASL sign is tapping all fingers of both hands together repeatedly (you already know that), but he taps on finger to the palm of his other hand. Just like Ladybug!
Our kids are so smart, aren't they!
I did signing with Hailey too- it was amazing! I didn't know any signs before and it was pretty easy to learn. When Hailey was about Ladybugs age she was signing like crazy and constantly learning new signs. I was so glad I did it because she was always able to tell me what she wanted. She still uses some signs even now when she can't get the word out she is looking for. They know so much more than we give them credit for at this age.
that is just too precious!
i think baby signing is so cool and helpful. i didn't really know about it when my kids were little or i would have done it. i hope your posts encourage other moms to give it a try.
Very cute photo! Both of my kids signed and we loved it!
Great post! I taught Kaelin signs, but only did 4...I should teach her more. She knows; please, more, milk and all done!
Lucas did signing until he started speaking..which was very early. He is a very verbal child. But, to this day he signs "please" when he says please and sometimes uses other signs even when he knows the words. It is obvious that the signing mode of communication really stuck with him. I am very pro-baby signing! It helped him learn how to communicate in general and helped us tons too! Good job, mama!! :)
WOW!! That is amazing, and GOOD FOR YOU for doing this. Your daughter's life will be richly blessed by this skill she is learning.
I love the idea of baby signing! Such a frustration reliever both of parents and baby!
Thanks for stopping by my post at Heather's. Come by Rainy Day Diamonds for more Great Adventures next week.
My 1 1/2 year old has been signing since 9 months. She knows about 50 different signs that she uses correctly in context. Aside from relieving some potential frustration from being able to tell me what she wants, I also believe it's encouraging her to learn. She always seems so proud when she shows us a new sign. Great job!
That's awesome! I never taught my kids to sign, but I wish I had! It would have helped so much when they got to that age where frustration rules because of lack of ways to express themselves!
Here's my how-to: http://simplethings1.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/how-to-create-a-silhouette-t-shirt-from-your-childs-photo/
Cute photos!
Great information, too. I've been somewhat lax in signing with 15-mo-old baby, but we've recently picked it up again full force now that she loves signing to action songs, etc. Her favorite word is Messy
Kind of funny - More and All Done are the two signs I have done all along, but she doesn't use them. For All Done, she just shoves her bowl into my hands . . .
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