Sign Language

Sign language not only stimulates multiple parts of the brain, but it also bridges the gap of communication. It offers a way for children to express their wants even if they do not yet have the ability to speak. This significantly cuts down on the frustration levels of both parents and children. Research has shown that babies who use symbolic gestures, or signs, have larger vocabularies, understand more words, and engage in more sophisticated play than non-signing babies. Parents are often concerned that their children won't learn to talk if they are taught sign language. On the contrary, research suggests that their first spoken words are usually words they had learned to sign. Simple sign language promotes talking. As children learn to speak more words, their use of signs fades away.

Our Baby Babble™ video is a wonderful way to expose children to simple sign language. Children are exposed to ten common signs throughout the Baby Babble™ video while a sign language tutorial is included at the end of the video so that parents can quickly learn the signs and use them at home.

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How do I integrate sign language into communication at home?

It is best to use both simple sign language and spoken language. For instance, say "more" while signing "more". Use lots of repetition. Facilitate your child in making the hand gestures by guiding his hands with your hands. Use lots of praise when they attempt to make the gesture. More tips about integrating sign language are included in the parent tutorial following the child portion of the video.

Learn more about the Baby Babble Video.  View Sign Language Products we recommend.

 

Research Articles

Acredolo, LP, & Goodwyn, SW. Baby Signs-how to talk with your baby before your baby can talk. Contemporary Books, 1996.

Acredolo, L. P., & Goodwyn, S.W. (July 2000). The long-term impact of symbolic gesturing during infancy on IQ at age 8. Paper presented at the meetings of the International Society for Infant Studies, Brighton, UK.

Brie Moore, Linda Acredolo, & Susan Goodwyn (April 2001). Symbolic gesturing and joint attention: Partners in facilitating verbal development. Paper presented at the Biennial Meetings of the Society for Research in Child Development.

Fawcett, A. Babytalk. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Little Signers website, http://www.littlesigners.com/ajc_babytalk.html; July 2001.

Goodwyn, S.W., Acredolo, L. P. & Brown, C. (2000). Impact of Symbolic Gesturing on Early Language Development. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 24, 81-103.

Grabmeier J. Infants use sign language to communicate at Ohio State School. Ohio State University website, http://www.acs.ohio-state.edu/units/research/archive/signlang.htm; January 1999.

 
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