Update: I was browsing my resources and found the March 2020 issue of Parenting Together covers the topic of Baby Sign Language. #babysignlanguage
What Is Baby Sign Language?
Welcome to the captivating world of Baby Sign Language, where tiny hands communicate profound messages. Baby sign language, also known as infant sign language, empowers caregivers and babies to bridge the communication gap before those first spoken words. Dive into the enchanting universe of baby sign language, where simple gestures and signs become a powerful language for understanding your little one’s needs and desires. Discover how this age-old practice, rooted in the science of language development, can enhance your parenting journey and create an unbreakable bond with your baby.
Benefits of Baby Sign Language
Baby sign language teaches babies a collection of easy-to-remember and simple gestures to use as a way of communicating. From about 8 months of age, babies do not have the ability to speak but can start to understand much of what is being said. Babies from this age can easily be taught to use gestures as a way of communicating.
Signing does not interfere with your baby’s speech or language development; it actually encourages babies to speak sooner and assists in developing a large vocabulary. Once a baby starts verbalizing words, he or she will still find signing useful for those words that are more difficult. You can start teaching baby sign language at any age, even if your child has started saying some words already.
Imagine your 8-month-old baby telling you that he or she is thirsty, cries because he or she has stomach pain, wants his favorite teddy bear, etc. Babies start to babble by the end of the 6 months of age but that is all. A babble. The ability to speak is not developed until 1 year of age and even then your child will be able to say only a few words. There is, however, a way to communicate with your child before he or she learns to talk – sign language.
Sign language refers to a type of communication with the aid of hands and fingers. The type of sign language that is used to communicate with babies and toddlers is the same language that is used by hearing-impaired individuals (although there are other sign languages too) and is becoming increasingly popular among many parents as a means of communication with their children. It may be hard to imagine a baby using sign language to express his or her needs, feelings, and even pain and exactly where they feel the pain but an 8-month-old child can master the basic signs such as hungry, thirsty, more, play, sleepy, teddy bear, pacifier, etc. But can your baby benefit from learning sign language? Absolutely.
Research has shown that teaching your baby sign language can deliver an array of benefits that include:
Increases communication and learning at a very early age
Helps babies talk sooner
Reduces tantrums, tears, and frustration
Helps improve intellectual development
Develops larger vocabularies and helps babies understand more words
Encourages interest in books
Contributes bonding with parents
Increases self-esteem
Read the whole article: Baby Sign Language | Benefits and When & How to Start (asl-kids.com)
Or download this Functional Words resource.
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