Baby Fireese at 13 months old. With kind permission of Laura of www.mysmarthands.com
Please note that this is an American link and American Sign Language (ASL) is being
used.
SIGNING AT HOME
Signing as a parent provides you with the unique opportunity to develop a window
into your child's mind. By including signs in daily activities, parents spend less
time guessing what a child wants and more time fulfilling their specific needs.
Signing reduces frustration for your baby and for you
Babies spend less time crying and having tantrums because they are understood
Signing won't delay verbal language development; in fact, it may
accelerate it! Research shows that babies who sign usually begin to speak sooner
and develop larger vocabularies than non-signing babies
Signing adds fun to daily routines and activities
Signing reinforces verbal language by added visual and kinaesthetic
emphasis to auditory input
Signing enhances early language skills because children can engage in two-way conversations
with their teachers and their peers at an earlier age
Signing increases a child's self esteem and empowers children
because they can successfully communicate with those around them
Signing gives your child a head start on early literacy skills
Signing allows your infant to clearly communicate specific thoughts
Signing children tend to be more interested in books
Signing builds on babies' natural tendency to use gestures
Increases the bond between parent and child
Signing can help parents and pediatricians identify injuries,
pain, and other ailments
SIGNING IN CHILDCARE SETTINGS
Signing helps to lower noise levels in preschool classrooms
Signing minimizes stress and frustration for caregivers who are responsible for
meeting the needs of many children at once
Signing reduces the 'guesswork' in meeting each child's needs resulting in more
available time for positive, development interaction
Caregivers report that signing significantly reduces problems
with biting. Take away frustration and biting goes with it
The use of British Sign Language gives children with special needs the opportunity
to interact in a meaningful way with typically developing children.
Deaf children can truly be integrated and not segregated into
the school system
