Learning how to teach baby sign language is easy. It really isn’t as difficult as it may seem. If you are able to teach your baby to wave hello or goodbye then you have all the necessary skills required to teach your baby some simple sign language as well.
Baby Sign Language is based on keyword signing and is not the same as adult sign language. There are many systems that provide baby sign language based on ASL, BSL or AUSLAN but these are all based on adult sign language. Baby Sign Language should be specifically tailored to suit the age level it is aimed at which is 3 30 months. By 30 months of age most children are able to communicate and be understood by their families and the signs are no longer required. These Baby Signs should be used as a temporary bridging gap between pre verbal and verbal years.
If you have decided to start teaching baby sign language there is one very important thing you need to remember. Signing does not replace speech. This is the largest difference that separates baby sign language from sign language for adults. You are trying to encourage communication so flood your baby with words. When you speak certain keywords, include the sign, don’t emit the spoken word.
Apart from that, there really isn’t much to it. If you follow the same pattern you would use to teach your child to wave hello or goodbye then you will pick it up in no time at all. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Make sure that you use the sign in relevant situations. If you are signing for milk, make sure it is just before their feed time and reward them with the milk to enhance the comprehension.
Ensure your baby is in the mood. If they are tired or hungry they are not going to be interested. If this is the case, just sign to them for consistency and provide them with their needs. Don’t make it a negative experience or they are likely to want to forget about doing it.
The progress from baby sign language to speech should occur naturally. If you have been using baby sign language with your child from an early age it is likely that they will start to develop speech much earlier than their peers. By providing them with a communication tool such as baby sign language, they will realize the benefits of communication earlier and be looking for more complex ways to get their point across.
The transition from baby sign language to speech will depend on how you have been using the sign language. Providing that you have not replaced the need for speech with the use of signs everything should be fine. Signing will usually increase the comprehension of words and so when coupled with the spoken language will be a great benefit in the child’s speech development.
Make sure you sign to them while they are watching and so that they can see your hands clearly. Don’t make it too complicated. Although they are attracted to movement, you want to make it as easy for them to copy as possible. This is why baby sign language is specifically designed to be within the capabilities of the baby and shouldn’t involve finger spelled signs.
Author Resource:
Lisa Baade is the author of Toddler Interpreter, A Parent's Guide to Baby Sign Language for Hearing Babies and Toddlers. Download your free Baby Sign Language poster from Toddler Interpreter’s Blog. http://www.toddlerinterpreting.com
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