Baby Sign Language
By momsunited
@momsunited (61)
United States
June 12, 2007 3:21pm CST
Just curious as to whether or not anyone has tried using sign language with their hearing babies and toddlers. When I had my first daughter ten years ago, I knew of one Mom that did this, and to be honest I thought it was a bit strange.
However, my "step" mom-in-law gave me the book, Baby Sign Language Basics, by Monta Briant when my second daughter was born a year ago. I looked it over, but didn't think much of it. Then I noticed a Mom at church communicating with her hearing toddler using signs and thought it was just amazing. I am thinking of using sign language with my newest daughter who is now a month old. The book says that babies can really begin picking up this form of communication at around six months of age.
Has anyone else done this? What has been your experience?
2 people like this
3 responses
@joeykckass (9)
• United States
25 Jun 08
This subject is near and dear to my heart! As a birth,foster and adoptive parent I can say that signing has wonderful benefits for hearing as well as hearing impaired children. We started the children very young,(3-4months) and used signing as we verbalized with the kids. Repetition was the key and soon it becomes second nature. Tests show that signing children are more intelligent, learn spoken language quicker and are less frustrated than non-signing children. Motor skills are learned earlier than verbal skills therefore, a signing child can "communicate" their needs with their hands before they can form words. When they can communicate their needs, they are more content and consequently a happy baby makes for a happy family. I highly recommend signing for children.
@Married2aMarine (1273)
• United States
12 Jun 07
I started signing to my son when he was 7 months old but he didn't really respond with a sign till he was 10 months. His first sign was "milk". Then, he learnt "more". These are easy signs to teach. Other signs that I found helpful were "eat", "drink", "sleep", "stop", etc. He's 2 now and still using some signs. I've not been very diligent in teaching him many new words now that he can talk more. But it was really helpful when he couldn't and he would sign to me when he was hungry, sleepy, etc. So, that really helps.
1 person likes this
@dorkprincess (20)
•
6 Sep 07
I think signing is wonderful. I don't find it strange at all. It is very common these days. My son's preschool taught simple signs. I think signing is great for children. The visual stimulation helps motivate them and stay on task.
