Thursday, April 8, 2010
Baby Signing Myths
Those that say babies can't learn to sign are people who have never seen it for themselves.
These skeptics may think that it is just baby using gestures or that the parent is seeing something that is not really there and making it up as they go along. Unfortunately, these skeptics are not going to be convinced until they see it for themselves. I have met many non believers and only once they actually see the baby signing and communicating with their parent/caregiver do they really understand that there is a real following of non-verbal babies and toddlers able to communicate their wants and needs.
Also, sign language does not replace spoken word for hearing babies and they are not slower to talk as some may think. In fact, babies who learn sign language are often quicker to talk than other children who have not learned to use sign language. The reason for this is because of the verbal use of each word as the baby is learning each sign. They are learning a new spoken word and its sign at the same time.
Are you a believer in baby sign language and have you tried it for yourself and used signing with your child?
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My husband and I are strong believers in baby sign language! At first I can admit I was concerned about all of the myths BUT I cried the first time my little boy signed that he wanted milk at 13 months old. I was looking at him trying to figure out what he was doing with his hand and when I realized he was opening and closing his fist to tell me "Mommy give me milk" I was amazed.
ReplyDeleteI think I was most concerned that he was going to start using sign language that we as parents wouldn't recognize and would ultimately confuse him but that didn't happen at all. It was really simple to learn and use. My other concern was that he was going to be a late talker but let me tell you, he's the chatter box of his class!!!
He's just turned 2yrs and funny enough he still uses the sign for 'more' from time to time, mostly when he really likes what he's eating ;) For example, at his birthday party he finished his cake so quickly and still wanted more that he loudly said "MORE CAKE" while signing "MORE" too, so cute!
Sincerely,
Proud mother of Max - Julie
Julie, Thanks for your comment. It sounds like even though you started using sign language later in Max's development it has still been a helpful and rewarding experience for you and your family. Continue to acknowledge him when he uses signing even though he is 2 yrs old. Toddlers still can have difficulty expressing themselves verbally and signing will come in handy.
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