Baby Sign Language Benefits

Below is a must read article about baby sign language. Teaching hearing children to sign is not a new concept. It has been going on for almost 200 years! In 1817 the American School for the Deaf began teaching ASL to the hearing siblings of deaf students. The practice of teaching infants sign language has gained momentum in the past 20 years with the introduction of various products and programs. This article does a wonderful job of simplifying the research in an easy to read format.

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Our teachers at Growing Brilliant get many questions from parents about ASL and language development. Below are some frequently asked questions:

When do children usually start communicating?

Most children usually begin to speak around 1-2 years old. At about 6 months of age, children will begin to reciprocate in conversations by making sounds and noises. Typically, babies learning to communicate using sign language, will begin to make some signs around 8 months. By one year of age, children will recognize meaningful words and will attempt to form words that sound similar. By 15 months of age, children are usually able to form simple words and comprehend directions.

Will learning baby sign language delay my child’s speech?

Absolutely not, in fact research suggests that the opposite is true. Children learning sign language are building their vocabularies in a multi-sensory way. Thus, they are hearing the word and seeing an action at the same time. This supports language development and will help them advance sooner. Think about all the rhymes and finger plays you may have learned as a child (Five Little Monkeys or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) associating an action to a word or rhyme builds connections in the brain and helps children remember new vocabulary.

Will my baby be able to communicate sooner with baby sign language?

Yes, typically children begin to form words between 1-2 years. They have the ability produce signs much sooner, around 8 months of age. Opening this door of communication allows children to become active participates in their world. It relieves frustration and builds confidence. It can also increase the bond between children and their caretakers.

What can I do to support my child’s language development?

Talk to your child during routines such as feeding and bathing. Explain what you are doing as much as possible. Use vocabulary words frequently, especially those you want the child to learn. For example: “Do you like the grapes?” “Now let’s wash your toes.” “Don’t those apples taste good?” Incorporating ASL signs with speech will help your baby build connections. It will also grab their attention.

Lisa Hansen is owner of Growing Brilliant headquartered in Rocklin, CA