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Baby Signing Basics
The Immediate and Lasting Benefits of Teaching Baby Sign Language
By Melinda Copp
Research has also shown that babies start talking earlier when they've used signs because they have engaged in conversations with their parents and they are excited to communicate more.
"Nicolas (now 3) will still use some signs when he speaks, but his vocabulary has gone through the roof," says Trus, who has found other practical applications for signing with her toddler. "At playgroup, I will sign to him from across the room. In circle time, I will sign to him to 'sit' and 'listen' and 'quiet.' He knows exactly what I want from him and he understands without me having to shout across the room."
"Parents can start signing with Baby any time," says Dr. Susan Goodwyn, co-creator of the Baby Signs Program and the new Potty Training Made Easy with the Baby Signs Program. "It's just like talking to your baby without really expecting an answer."
In the first three months of life, babies can't see very well and they are still awakening to the world around them. But from 3 months on, Baby can see you sign and start to pick up language. So this is the ideal time to start incorporating signs into your mealtimes, diaper changes and other normal activities.
Rachel Coleman, the co-creator and host of Signing Time, who helped develop the Hooked On Phonics' program, Hooked On Baby Learn to Sign, suggests starting with a few basic signs, such as "milk," "more" and "eat," and incorporate them into your normal routine.
"Use the sign in context every day," Coleman says. "'Eat' and 'milk' are concrete signs. Sign them whenever your baby is going to eat or have milk. When it is time to eat, sign and say 'eat.'"
Repetition is the key, and Coleman recommends showing the sign, saying the word and then repeating it.
