Baby Sign Language
By deemazing
@deemazing (395)
United States
3 responses
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
16 Jan 09
My cousins daughter was taught sign language as a baby because she has an aunt that is deaf. The only problem came when the child wouldn't talk, she would just sign what she wanted. The parents had a hard time getting the child to communicate using her words, so she ended up talking later than most children do.
2 people like this
@deemazing (395)
• United States
16 Jan 09
We battle the problem with my 8 yr old nephew. He is Autistic and very shy. He will talk at home but when he comes to my house he uses sign language and my sister and I are the only ones who understand him. My sister yells at him because she says "you know how to talk Zack so just do it already!"
@amazingheart (781)
• Philippines
17 Jan 09
According to psychologists Linda Acredolo, teaching a child how to talk could be most exciting, but teaching him hand language could jump -start his language abilities. Researchers found that babies who were taught hand language had a 12-point advantage in IQ scores in their second grade over kids who were not taught how to gesture.
Although, the study did not establish why sign language raises a child's IQ, Aredolo and Goodwyn were able to prove that young kids get a jump-start on language and are capable of expressing themselves before their verbal faculties emerge.
One theory offered by the authors is that parents who understand their children feel that their kids are smarter than average. The belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Go for it deemazing, a lot of parents and children will benefit of your plan. 
1 person likes this
@deemazing (395)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I see how it works for my nephew. We were all so frustrated that he couldn't talk, it was before we knew he was Autistic. We didn't understand, thought maybe it's because both of his parents are shy and he has that gene also. Turns out it was Autism, and both him and us have been very grateful for what he learned. He's a super smart kid, just has trouble communicating and has some attention problems. He likes the same routine each day just like most Autistic kids, but he is almost a genius child. I believe what you pointed out is that children tend to understand it more when they are able to associate the word with something. Therefore, children who use sign language already have an association with it which gives them a competitive advantage. Linda Arcedolo is actually the woman who started the program I am trying to get into it, called Baby Signs.
@babyfirefighter (568)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I think that it is a good idea. I mean especially at that early of an age babys can learn a whole lot. It would be benifical not only to the parents but also o the child. If I had the chance I would absoultally learn it.
@deemazing (395)
• United States
16 Jan 09
Hi thank you for your response! I think it would benefit them in so many ways, one they would be able to communicate effectively with their children and not have as much frustration trying to figure out what is wrong. Two, the children would have a new skill they can take with them later in life. Three, the parents and children may be able to communicate with the deaf to at least some degree. I just think it's a unique learning experience. If a basics course (complete with learning materials) were offered in your area that included info on how to start signing, how it is beneficial, how to implement it in your daily routines, and learning to transition from stage to stage...what do you think you would pay for it? The reason I am asking is for a bit of market research. I am looking to become certified in this field and want to hold workshops. I hear the going rate is $50, but would like input from the community here on Mylot as to what you'd be willing to pay.
