Why You Should Teach Your Baby Sign Language
Have you taught your baby sign language?
Communication is the most basic reason why you should teach your baby sign language. Communication plays a role in all our lives. From a baby's cries, to a teenagers' rants to the loving stares exchanged between a newly wed couple. Everything on this planet communicates with each other.
Sign language is one form of communication that can be used when normal methods are not an option. A baby in the beginning stages of life cannot talk, although, it does communicate with its parents via crying, fussing, cooing or smiling. Developmentally, babies start to gain control of their hands, arms and legs much sooner than they start talking.
They can grab things, point and clap their hands long before they verbally start saying "mama" or "dada". Knowing this, it is common for babies who are born with a hearing impairment to learn sign language. However, is it only hearing-impaired infants that can be taught sign language? Certainly not!
Baby sign language is becoming more popular with new parents and even some "seasoned" parents. It's different than American Sign Language in that it is specifically made for babies. American Sign Language would be difficult for a baby to learn, so baby sign language was invented to help parents and their babies communicate with one and two word gestures.
There are pros and cons to teaching your baby sign language. A pro would most likely be the ability to communicate with your baby before they can speak. An example of a con would be that it does take time. Don't expect your child to learn over night. It can take weeks or months before your baby starts signing back, but don't give up! Scientific results have shown that babies that learn sign language start speaking earlier.
Also, think of it as an investment, if you will. You can use your new skills to teach to other parents or as a caregiver to a baby, you can teach the baby you are watching how to sign. It's a win-win situation. Do your research and dive right in. I've attached some really good articles related to baby sign language for more information.
Kids using baby sign language
Baby Sign Language Articles & Links to Purchase
- Baby Signs
Baby Signs is the original, research-based sign language program for babies. Baby Signs helps babies communicate before they can talk and it offers the widest variety of products, resources, classes and trainings as well as an exciting home based bus - Baby sign language a growing movement
Baby sign language a growing movement, There is a growing movement of parents and day care centers teaching hearing babies simple gestures, or signs, to communicate before they can talk. - Athens Parent Online Article - Baby Sign Language - Explained, Benefits, Getting Started
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