More Advice on Teaching Your Child Sign Language
A short while ago, we wrote an article examining some tips for signing with your baby. In this article, we cover more tips for signing with your baby to ensure you succeed in teaching your child to sign.
Pay Attention to Baby’s Perception
A baby is constantly perceiving new things. To succeed in teaching your baby to sign, be alert to your baby’s perceptions. If you notice what your child is perceiving, you will know what to sign when. By the time your baby’s eyes and gazes start to connect with yours, he is ready to start learning to sign. Get down on your baby’s level, literally and figuratively. When we are aware of what our children perceive, we are better communicators and teachers.
Babies have different types of perceptions, each presenting a new chance to teach a new sign. Your baby may have a need or express a feeling or desire. For example, if your baby finishes drinking his milk, he may express that he wants “more.” The very moment you notice this expression would be a great time to make the sign for “more.” Sometimes, it is clear that you and your baby are making a connection. You may look at each other at the same time. When you make this type of connection, your child is receptive to what you have to say. Be sure to recognize this as an an opportunity to introduce a sign. Other times, you and your baby may perceive the same object, like the family dog. This is obviously a great time to sign “dog.” One technique to help direct your child’s attention is to make the sign in front of the object you are signing about. Or, You can sign with that object on your child’s body!
All in the Family
One of the key factors for success in in baby sign language is to get others involved in the process. It is very important for your friends and family to take part in the process. If you are like most parents, lots of people participate in caring for your child. These people play a crucial role in the development of your child. Most children have regular contact with other family members. In our family, we could not get by without help from wonderful grandparents. So, keep signing “all in the family” and get the entire family involved in the process (especially Grandaddy and Grandmother).
In many households today, both mom and dad work full time and leave the baby at daycare. Such children will have a better time in learning to sign if their daycare workers are involved in the process. A child’s daycare workers and baby sitters are part of his extended family. Make sure your child’s extended family knows you are teaching him to sign and show them the signs you are working on at any given time. At the very least, they should know some basic signs that your child uses on a regular basis and be involved in teaching those signs. If they refuse to participate with signing, you should find another daycare.
Attitude is Everything!
We think that attitude is important for all aspects of life. As the caption says, “attitutude is everything.” One of the most important keys to succeed in baby sign language is for you to HAVE FUN! Get excited and have a good time when teaching your baby a new word. Signing with your baby is more about attitude and persistence than any specific technique. If you recognize teaching opportunities, and stick with it, your baby will be signing back to you in no time. Please don’t get frustrated if your child does not sign back to you right away. Every child is unique and every child develops at his own pace.
Communicating with your baby should be intuitive and natural. You don’t need a book to communicate with your child. Trust your instincts and be expressive when you talk to your baby. Your expressions should match your signs. Your child will respond as much to facial expressions and emotions as to most things that are verbalized. Also, don’t get frustrated if your baby does not use perfect technique when he signs. Rather, recognize what he is trying to say and praise him for it. The process should be fun for you and your child. And your child will refine his technique as he continues to develop.