Babies using sign language? Although it sounds unbelievable,
it is really nothing new. Babies have always made signs for things that they
want or need. When a baby waves goodbye, nods their head back and forth for yes
or no, points to get something that they want or raises their arms up to be
picked up, they are enacting their own type of sign language to have their
needs met.
Many people are amazed that babies as young as 6 months old
can learn sign language when they aren’t even capable of talking yet. Research
has proven that using sign language can bridge the gap between comprehension
and speech production. This is possible because babies can acquire the ability
to understand language well before their muscles in their mouths enable them to
actually speak back to you. Many people
inaccurately assume that babies don't speak because they don't understand. Once
you empower your child with the ability to communicate with their hands, they
will amaze you with what they have to say!
Intrigued and wondering when to get started? Typically, the
best time to get started is between the ages of 6-9 months. It is at this time
that babies start to babble and test out their voices as well as start to
imitate gestures and manipulate objects with their hands. It is also at this
age that babies can be taught to associate between making a sign and obtaining
a desired result. If your baby is older, it is never too late to start! The
older the baby, the quicker they will catch on and learn new signs.
The most amazing thing about teaching a baby sign language
is when they have their first “aha!” moment. That is when they realize that
this business of moving their hands and fingers actually helped them achieve a
desired outcome. When this happens, the real motivation kicks in…watch out
because your baby really wants to learn more now!
When your baby starts signing, everything becomes easier.
Your baby has learned that using their hands to communicate is much more
effective than crying or whining. If your baby is fussy, you no longer have to
play the guessing game of what is wrong (hungry, needing a diaper change, teeth
hurting, bored) because your baby will simply tell you what they need. The
other exciting thing about signing is that it opens up a window into their world
and allows them to tell you about the things that interest them. Perhaps your
baby wants to let you know that he is thinking about cats or birds or even that
he is excited that he sees another baby in the park. Signing enables you to
have a conversation with a baby who can’t even speak yet. Your child suddenly
becomes an active member of the family at such a young age. What a truly
amazing gift for both of you!
Written by:
Shira Fogel, founder of Tiny Talkers, Baby Signing Workshops
for Parents & Caregivers located in Portland, Oregon.
www.TinyTalkersPortland.com
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