Session #1 of Your Baby Can Sign was taught Winter 2016 to a class of eager parents who wanted to known how and when to teach their baby sign language. Read session #1 notes to get an understanding of when and how to teach your infant, baby signs.
What are Baby Signs
Baby sign teaches infants a way to communciate using natural and symbolic gestures. The goal of baby sign is not to teach a second language (American Sign Language). Instead the goal of baby sign is to bridge the gap between when a baby wants to communciate and when they can speak. Baby signs can be made up of a mixture of; ASL signs, simplified ASL signs, gestures, body movements and facial expressions that parents or babies naturally use to communicate.
Why use Baby Signs
Babies cry to communicate because they have not learned any other way to tell their caregivers what they want. At as early as 3 months of age their receptive language grows and they begin to understand and recognize familiar voices and words. By 9 months of age babies can begin to carry out tasks we request of them "look over there", "wave bye". Once babies have developed their receptive language, they can also begin to use their gross motor abilities to sign, often months before they can use their mouths to speak (expressive language).
When to Teach Baby Signs
Now. Its never too early to start! By 9-12 monts of age babies have learned to wave "hi", point, and request to be picked up!
How to Teach Baby Sign
We have to consider what motivates your baby. To do this ask yourself. If your baby could talk what would he/she say? What sign would your baby use most frequently or throughout the day? First spoken words are usually nouns (mama, dada, doggy) yet most baby sign programs start with verbs, (more, finished, help). Be sure to teach a variety of meaningful signs that can be used throughout your babies day!
People-parents, siblings or caregivers
Mealtimes- milk, cheese, bread, more, all-done, eat, drink
Bodily Needs- diaper, "owie" or hurt
Daily Routines- (bathtime, bedtime) , Sign for favorite toy, request for help
GET FACE TO FACE "I SEE YOU, YOU SEE ME"
Getting face to face will make it easier for your baby to see what you are saying. Your baby will be more aware of your communciation and will be more intersted in what you have to say.
Repeat, REPEAT, RE-PEAT!
Choose a few signs a week and repeat. 1-3 signs a week is a great start! If you dont know a sign look it up in an ASL book or use a gesture. Babysignlanguage.com has a great dictionary of baby signs available for free. Whatever you choose to sign, stay consistent with the sign and use the same word to speak at the same time you sign.
Remember your goal is to bridge the gap to communication so always pair the sign with the spoken word.