Why Signing Is Good
Language and Communication Skills
Development of Social Skills
For Kids with Verbal Delay
It's Fun! And Helpful, Too
Getting Started
Language and Communication Skills
A number of studies have shown that signing with a child at an early age may:
- encourage the development of speech
- help with language development
- improve communication skills
- increase learning ability
- raise IQ
These studies are based on some pretty logical conclusions. To begin with, the development of
motor control begins at an earlier age than a child's speech apparatus. Because of this, infants can imitate a gesture much sooner than they can imitate a vocalization. In fact, some children have been known to imitate a sign as early as 6 months. Once a child starts to sign back and forth with a parent or teacher he will begin to pick up on the reciprocal patterns of communication. Signing takes on more and more meaning and the child really starts to understand how communication works. Grasping these basic concepts at such an early
age may actually stimulate both expressive and receptive language. So signing becomes a fun, rewarding activity that fosters a solid foundation for several aspects of speech and language development.
*Some parents express concern that if they teach their child sign language they will use it instead of actually speaking. However, these studies have proven that if the word is always spoken simultaneously with the sign the child will
understand that the two are interchangeable and will opt for the spoken word or a combination of the two once their verbal skills have developed. In fact, it is believed that signing may actually facilitate the acquisition of these verbalization skills.
Development of Social Skills
Being able to communicate with Mom, Dad, or siblings at an early age will open up a whole world of social interaction with others. Signing is a highly expressive way of communicating that combines:
- hand gestures
- body language
- facial expression
- spoken word
Learning to read and respond to this combination of things lays the groundwork for clear and
expressive communication skills. It is a
great way for the child to begin connecting with you and the world around him. In the end you have a child who is comfortable and highly interactive with others.
Also, teaching a baby signs gives her the opportunity for success very early on. She gets frequent positive response and reinforcement. These things naturally instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence and help to foster a child with great self-esteem. Positive interaction is increase, negative interaction is decreased and the child reaps all the rewards.
For Kids with Verbal Delay
Signing is an extremely helpful tool for kids with verbal delay (Down Syndrome, Autism, Hearing loss). This obstacle in communication often causes a great deal of frustration for these children who frequently have good receptive language skills but just can't tap into their expressive language capabilities. In other words, they may be able to understand what you say to them but are unable to respond. This frustration may understandably lead to behavior problems and may interfere with the child's ability to participate and thrive in a structured environment
like school. As a result, the child may fall behind and struggle with a number of other learning issues. Teaching these children sign language gives them a much needed alternative outlet for communicating while their verbal skills continue to develop. And yes, those skills will continue to develop even though they are using signs. Signing successfully will often give a child the encouragement he needs to begin communicating verbally. So signing can actually facilitate verbal communication at an earlier age for a child with verbal
delay. Communication becomes a FUN, positive experience instead of an unpleasant, exasperating chore.
It's Fun! And Helpful, Too
Signing is just FUN for:
- parents
- teachers
- children
It is a great way to begin to interact and connect with your child while opening the door to the world around them. Signing can encourage a child to really begin to look at things, recognize, and identify them. As a parent or teacher signing with a child gives you the opportunity to stimulate their curiosity and be a direct part of their learning and development. And it is a fact that the more positive interaction a child gets on any level the more their little minds and spirits are nurtured.
A child can also use sign language to let you know specific things. Imagine a baby who can actually let you know if they are thirsty or hungry or that their diaper is wet. No more random guessing while your baby goes from whining to crying to screaming. You and your baby have a much more stress free day and everyone benefits.
We believe that signing can be to communication what crawling is to movement. If used in conjunction with the spoken word early on in a child's life it can be a vital stepping stone to their overall speech and language development.
Getting Started
**REPETITION AND CONSISTENCY ARE THE KEYS**
- ALWAYS say and sign the word simultaneously.
- To introduce a new word, say and sign the word slowly several times in a row.
- Reinforce the meaning with actions when appropriate.
(i.e. at meal time when signing "more" give the child another bite after the sign)
- Start slowly with words your child can use to get his/her needs met. (i.e. eat, milk, more, diaper) This very quickly impresses the usefulness of signing and communicating on a child.
- Add words that have meaning in the child's world. (i.e. if you have a cat and not a dog- start with cat)
- Gently guide your babies hands- help them get the feel of making the sign.
- Look for opportunities to carry signs into your everyday life. (i.e. at the grocery store, on the playground, when visiting friends and family)
- Include everyone. Parents, siblings, grandparents,
childcare providers- everyone can participate in learning
and teaching your little one signs. It's fun for everyone!
- Watch for original signs and variations on signs that your child may come up with on his/her own. And don't be afraid to use them if they work for the child.
- Make it fun!! Signing can almost be like a game you play together.
Nothing facilitates learning like having fun while your doing it.
So take some time with your child to watch
and learn with the Say It With A Sign video series
and enjoy the rewards that are sure to follow!
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