According to Karla Carta, a Signing Smart Instructor with SignBaby.com, "It is a frustrating time for little ones if they do not have the language to express themselves. Typically, between the ages of 10 and 24 months children will understand much more than they can express. As you can imagine this is frustrating, and the result is cries, temper tantrums, and even biting. Signs are being successfully introduced to babies as young as 8 months old , before they are capable of using their oral skills.

Sign language does not hinder children from talking, it decreases frustration and acts as a cue for language. They soon begin to pair the signs and words together, and eventually the signs will fade completely. When parents, childcare centers and care givers all get involved in signing with nonverbal infants, it alleviates stress for everyone.

Simple signs are considered to be a bridge to expressive language. This time period may last anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years, depending on the development of your child. There's no way of knowing how early your child will develop their language skills. Signing can make this time easier on everyone. Additionally, researchers at the University of California have linked infant signing to a boost in IQ scores. They discovered a 12-point gap between a group of second-graders who had been trained to sign as babies compared to a group that had not."

How To Start

You can start signing with your baby at any age. If you want the benefits of ASL as a second language, you can even start with an older child who is well able to communicate by speaking. Different experts recommend various starting ages, of anywhere from 6-10 months old. No matter what age you begin, stay simple and start slowly.

Decide whether you are going to use true American Sign Language, made up baby signs, or just wing it with a combination of both.

Some suggested starting signs would be things that you could use on a daily basis. It is important to be consistent so that your baby realizes this isn't just some game you are “playing” occasionally. A few possibilities include eat, more, drink, milk, book, bath, or pets you have in your home. Introduce the signs one at a time, while doing an activity that corresponds with them. You may want to wait until your child picks up a sign before introducing a new one, at least at first. Once they get the concept that they can “talk” with their hands you can introduce signs more frequently.

Some Common Signs and How To Do Them

Milk
Gesture: Open and close fist several times.
Suggested Use: This is one of the first signs that a child is likely to learn. It can be used in infancy to symbolize breastfeeding or bottlefeeding. As the child grows he/she will use this sign to request a drink. Please note: You may find it helpful to use this sign interchangeably for milk/juice/water/bottle because it is less likely to confuse the child.

Finished
Gesture: Shake open palms in front of body several times.
Suggested Use: During mealtime, use sign to ask child if he or she is finished eating. During bathtime, use to ask child if he or she is ready to get out of tub. Same as "All Done."

More
Gesture: Raise hands, point fingertips against each other.
Suggested Use: For eating, playing and many other circumstances. This is a very important sign and will often avoid outbursts of frustration by your child.

Remember These Points When Signing With Your Child

Always pair the spoken word with the gesture.
Be patient.
Share the child's signs with family members and caregivers.
Follow your child's lead.
Be creative.
Start simple.
Always praise your child's attempt.

About the Author:

Loree Siermachesky is a mother of three boys, one with a developmental speech delay and has been introducing ASL as a method of communication. She is the webmistress of All About Moms and Empty Cradles.

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