| How many parents currently have a toddler going
through the “terrible two’s” and wonder is there
something out there that could help?
Baby sign language could be the answer you are looking for.
Many parents ask me “Is it too late to introduce baby sign
language to my toddler?” and I always say definitely not.
A lot of the time parents of toddlers think that as their toddler
is no longer a baby, that baby sign language is not an option for
them as their child is too old.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Baby sign language
has been found to benefit children of many different age groups.
When your child enters the toddler stage, they generally have quite
a small vocabulary. The reason for this is that there are still
some letters/words that they physically cannot get their tongue
around. How many times have you seen your toddler trying to get
their point across but they do not have all the words they need
to do so?
Many of the “terrible two tantrums” are a result of
when toddlers are unable to express themselves to their satisfaction.
Baby sign language when used with toddlers can help with these
frustrating moments as they offer your toddler a mode of communication
that allows them to be understood.
So how do you begin to introduce my toddler to baby sign language?
The first step is to incorporate 5 signs into your toddlers’
daily routines. These five signs usually revolve around eating,
drinking, sleeping and playing.
Be sure when introducing signs to your toddler, that you are incorporating
signs that will be both practically useful to you and your child
but also signs that are motivational for your toddler. Practical
signs include eat, drink or sleep. Motivational signs may include
teddy bear, book or play.
It is important that when you say the word that you also sign the
word. Consistency is the key. For more tips on how to incorporate
baby sign language into your home, you can read my article on the
10 steps
to signing success.
So what are the benefits of introducing baby sign language to your
toddler? Dr Kimberlee Whaley conducted a study in November 1999
researching the use of ASL (American sign language) signs with babies
and toddlers in the preschool environment. Dr Whaley said that "We've
known for a long time that there is a lot of thought going on in
young infants' heads, but they don't have the skills to use spoken
language….however they do have the motor skills to use sign
language." This study as well as the work of Dr Marilyn Daniels
highlights the benefits of introducing sign language to older children.
The benefits of introducing sign language to toddlers include
the following:
- Baby sign language helps to reduce frustration for toddlers
and allows them to use signs where they are unable to express
themselves verbally.
- Baby sign language supports different modes of learning by
using both hearing and sight to teach your toddler. Some people
learn best through hearing while others are more visual learners.
Baby sign language involves you the parents saying the word followed
by providing a visual of the word through sign language.
- Baby sign language provides an insight into what your toddler
is interested in and their personality.
- Baby sign language provides your toddler with a strong foundation
for language development and vocabulary building. With the help
of baby sign language, your toddler can engage in two-way conversations
with their family and care givers.
- Baby sign language can stimulate brain development in your toddler.
Dr Daniels noted in her research how sign language uses both the
left and right hemisphere of the brain in comparison to a spoken
language that only uses the brain’s left hemisphere.
- Baby sign language can enhance your toddlers’ confidence
and self-esteem, as they are now able to express themselves through
baby sign language.
When your toddler begins to develop a larger vocabulary and can
then get his tongue around all words, he or she will typically start
to sign less and less frequently.
It is up to you if you wish to encourage your toddler to sign or
if you only use baby sign language communication tool while your
toddler is not fully verbal.
Start baby sign language with your toddler today and help reduce
those frustrating moments for you both!
Happy Signing! |
