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Signing allows parents and caregivers to glimpse what is going on in their little one’s mind as it provides a means for the child to more easily express his wants, needs, and desires. Signing can help your baby not only tell you when he is hurting but the location of the pain as well. Think now of your baby signing to you that he needs a diaper change before you are even aware his diaper is dirty or that he is hungry and wants to eat sooner than you expected.
A baby can also communicate through sign what she is thinking about and can initiate conservation based on things she is observing or remembering. Imagine you are taking a walk outside with your baby…she sees a flower and signs it, thereby letting you know what she is seeing and thinking about in that moment. Alternatively, she hears music and signs “daddy” and “dance,” indicating that she is recalling a memory of dancing with her daddy. Now, how precious is that!
Signing not only allows you to spend quality time “conversing” with your baby, but also reinforces positive communication skills while simultaneously enhancing and stimulating baby’s language development. Additionally, when your baby does begin talking, it can help you interpret what he is attempting to say. By using sign in combination with the spoken word, you can better understand what your child is trying to communicate to you and respond more quickly.
It is easy to see how the use of a few simple signs can help reduce frustration all around because your baby does not have to rely solely on pointing nor does he have to resort to crying, whining or moaning when he wants or needs something. Less frustration plus less crying equates to a happier baby and a more harmonious environment for all.
Studies reveal the following additional benefits of signing*
- Considerably increases the rate, acquisition, and efficiency of language; signing babies generally begin speaking earlier and develop larger vocabularies
- Learning to read tends to be easier, greatly increases the potential for future academic achievement
- Stimulates intellectual development; may help elevate IQ
- Cuts down frustration level, fewer tantrums
- Promotes and deepens parent/child bonding
- Children with special needs have a way to express themselves
Next: Why ASL
_____________________________* Please visit our Resource Page for research links
Alexandria loves "Signing Time." Here she is trying to sign along with Rachel at the opening of the show.
Photo courtesy of Sign2Me®
