Baby Signing Information
What is baby sign language?
We all teach our babies some basic sign language, very simple signs, like waving
‘bye-bye’, clapping to express delight, pointing, or head shaking for ‘no’. While
our little ones have a desire to communicate their needs and wishes, they lack the
ability to do so clearly because the development of speech lags behind cognitive
ability. Hand-eye coordination develops sooner than speech, therefore gesturing
is a natural way for babies to communicate.
Baby sign language builds on this natural form of communication, allowing babies
and toddlers to effectively let us know their needs, thoughts, and desires. Infants
can learn simple signs for common activities and objects such as: eat, sleep,
more, milk, play, and teddy bear; months before they
are able to produce understandable speech.
What are the benefits of baby sign language?
One of the most fundamental human desires is to be understood, research has shown
baby sign language can reduce frustration for babies and parents by providing a
means for babies to communicate before their vocal cords have developed for speech.
Research shows baby sign language has numerous other benefits too, such as, accelerating
verbal development and strengthening cognitive skills. It also enhances child-parent
bonding by reducing frustration and through fun time spent teaching signs to your
baby.
Is baby sign language an official language?
The Baby Sign and Learn system uses keyword signs taken from ASL (American Sign Language).
The major differences between ASL and baby sign language is that
spoken language is used in conjunction with the signs.
Baby signing doesn’t teach babies a new language, it simply supports and enhances
the spoken language babies are already in the process of learning. In fact, speech
and language therapists often recommend signing if a child's speech or language
development is delayed.
