As regards baby sign language, the issue is more a case of finding effective tools to help a less than 10-month-old baby to sign than it is the necessity for baby sign language to be incorporated into a baby’s life. Nevertheless, there might be doubts as to how important baby sign language is. Hopefully, this article clears such doubts and also helps you understand how to get started with baby sign language.
How Important is Baby Sign Language?
It may sound cliche, but evidence proves that babies who learn and incorporate simple signs into their verbal learning at an early age talk better than those who do not.
Also, baby sign language helps to shorten the tantrum phase in kids. Some of the reasons for tantrums exhibited during early childhood include the need for attention, hunger, or tiredness. A child who can’t put these desires in words but can sign them does not need to throw tantrums.
Surprisingly, a four months old child can begin displaying bits of personality and individualism. Wouldn’t it be easier if such a child has a means of communication (baby sign language) because, with it, parents and caregivers can understand the child’s personality? It is important to note that communication plays a vital role in channeling one’s attitude and personality.
The Best Time Your Baby Can Start Signing
There isn’t a statutory law that stipulates the exact month you can begin teaching your baby some baby signs, at the same time though, there is a highly suggested month that is good enough to begin. This is between six to eight months old. A major reason why this developing age is being suggested is mainly because your child has begun to grasp what they see as they pay attention to things around them.
The Five Basic and Important Signs You Should Help Your Baby Get Started With
Image by Guess Tsal on Openverse
- Teach your baby how the MILK SIGN because, at this early age, it’s what they pine for.
- You can take the MILK SIGN further by teaching them the EAT SIGN. Well, you know there’s never going to be an end to the need for food
- Surprisingly, another basic and easy-to-learn baby sign that is very important is the MORE SIGN.
When you join your fingertips together and tap them continuously for some time, you make the MORE SIGN which can be taught to your kids to reduce the wailing when they aren’t full and need more.
- The MOM and DAD SIGN are also important baby signs. With these, they can address their parents before they get to say it out loud (two words parents can’t wait to hear)-reduce the waiting period with baby sign language.
- It is going to sound funny that the fifth most important baby sign language to teach your baby is the POOP SIGN. This can be a tool for potty training for kids. If possible, it should be incorporated with the PEE SIGN. See these two signs displayed in this video
You can find other basic baby signs here with pictures.
Simple Ways to Help Your Baby Remember the Signing Lessons
While you mustn’t miss the early developmental months for beginning signing with your child, it is also important that what you teach sticks and stays with them, becoming a part of their lives. Of course, this has nothing to do with setting a series of examination questions for them to fill out. So, let’s take a look at what it will take to help your baby keep the signing lessons.
Once You Commence the Lesson, Don’t Stop
What this means is that to help your child incorporate sign language, try as much as you can to make it a part of their daily routine. There might be some skip days, do not make them too much.
For Hearing Children, Say the Words Out Loud (Otherwise, Point it Out)
Although this does not apply to children who are born deaf, it is helpful where that is not the case for every word as it is being signed to also be spoken.
Where possible also, the intended words or action can be pointed out as many times as it is signed (this can come in handy for deaf babies).
A child’s brain associates the signed word with something they either see or can touch.
Let the Lessons Be Taken Slowly
Especially when introducing the signs to your baby for the first time, begin slowly, continue slowly, and make it fun as much as you can. Do not in any way reduce your level of consistency. So, get ready to take your time to gain efficiency.
Misconceptions about Baby Sign Language
Baby Sign Language is For Infants of Deaf Parents
Baby Sign language has a lot of benefits as highlighted in the earlier part of this article. Therefore, it would be limiting for individuals and society if only deaf individuals take the time and privilege of teaching their kids while hearing individuals do not.
Baby Sign Language is Difficult
If it isn’t simple, then it isn’t baby sign language. It’s mostly termed “baby sign language” because it sticks to the basics of signing–signs that allow very young kids to tell their needs. It has nothing to do with learning full sentences and having full conversations. So, there is nothing difficult about baby sign language.
Baby Sign Language Hampers Talking
There is the fear that babies who learn to sign before they learn to talk might never be able to talk properly or talk as early as they should if they haven’t learned baby sign language. This remains unproven. Every child develops differently. A child who wouldn’t talk early wouldn’t with or without baby sign language. But when these sets of babies learn to sign, that they can’t talk yet wouldn’t hinder them from expressing their feelings, desires, and emotions.
Baby Sign Language Makes it Difficult to Comprehend Spoken Language
Although it is assumed that baby sign language confuses kids’ ability to comprehend the normal rules of any given spoken language used around them, this idea is largely dependent on the caregivers in charge of a child. If taught well, a child who understands baby sign language is also able to understand spoken languages.
Conclusion
Most baby signs come from ASL. But sometimes, adults who do not know ASL might want to feel discouraged and give up entirely on guiding their babies to learn sign language despite its obvious benefits. This is where SignBee Academy comes in, allowing you to access ASL learning material that enables you to learn ASL stresslessly enough to enjoy teaching your baby.
Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Image by Ruthieki on Openverse
