Have you ever though about teaching your baby sign language? I have taught both of my boys to sign. It makes things easier on us and it helps them learn as well. When Kayden (my oldest) was younger, he was behind in talking so we decided to teach him to sign. Let me tell you it worked wonders. So recently, I decided to teach Kameron (my youngest) to sign as well.
I recently came across this website called
BabySignLanguage.com. This website is full of great information and tips. They also offer FREE flash cards, charts, and a huge dictionary. Here is some great information on baby sign language that came right off the
BabySignLanguage.com website.
What Age To Start Baby Sign Language You can begin to teach your baby sign language at any age – it is never too soon or too late to gain some benefit from signing with your child. The optimum age for baby sign language is thought to be between five and seven months. One of the founders of babysignlanguage.com, Dr. Joseph Garcia, found that a baby who begins learning sign language at seven months old will need around two months of exposure and repetition of a sign before she starts using it.
Starting Young
You can start signing with your baby from birth, however – some moms begin to learn the signs while baby is still in the womb. Baby Signing is a great early activity for Mom and baby to do together, and a great way to make new friends during those first few months which can often be lonely. Mom and Dad need to learn the signs first – and then repeat them lots and lots to baby – so it doesn’t matter too much if your baby is very young when you first start signing.
How To Start Baby Sign Language
Pick a few simple signs, such as Mommy, Daddy and Milk, and use these signs over and over whenever you say the word or encounter the object. Repetition is important, as is choosing signs which are interesting to your baby. Food and important people are great starter signs because they capture your baby’s interest. Use the sign and say the word clearly, with good eye-contact. For older babies you can also use flash cards if the object of the sign is not present.
When Will My Baby Start Signing Back To Me?
Be patient and don’t expect your baby to start signing immediately. Encourage all her efforts at signing even if you don’t recognize the sign she is trying to make. It can be hard to keep signing when your baby doesn’t seem to be ‘getting it’. Don’t worry – babies learn by repetition. She is learning the signs, and will eventually make them herself. Stick at it and your persistence will pay off.
How To Develop A Baby’s Signing Vocabulary
When your baby has mastered her first signs you can begin to introduce new ones. It’s a good idea to stick to groups of similar ideas or objects when introducing something new, for example food signs, or colors, or animals. Remember to make it fun and repeat, repeat, repeat. Encourage all your baby’s efforts at making the signs. Only introduce a few new signs at a time, and continue with these for around two months.
Where Can I Find Resources To Help Me?
There are loads of resources online for you to use at home. Take a look here for free baby signing downloads and how-to video clips. Remember – have fun, repeat and encourage. These are your steps to success no matter how young your baby.
