Learning how to teach baby sign language is easy. It really isn’t as difficult as it may seem. If you are able to teach your baby to wave hello or goodbye then you have all the necessary skills required to teach your baby some simple keyword signs as well.
Baby Sign Language is based on keyword signing and is not the same as adult sign language. There are many systems that provide baby sign language based on ASL, BSL or AUSLAN but these are all based on adult signs.
Baby signs should be specifically tailored to suit the age of 3-30 months. By 30 months of age most children are able to communicate and be understood by their families and the signs are no longer required. These baby signs should be used as a temporary bridging gap between pre-verbal and verbal years.
If you have decided to start teaching your baby some simple keyword signs there is one very important thing you need to remember. Signing does not replace speech. This is the largest difference that separates baby sign language from sign language for adults. You are trying to encourage communication so flood your baby with words. When you speak certain keywords, include the sign, don’t omit the spoken word.
Apart from that, there really isn’t much to it. If you follow the same pattern you would use to teach your child to wave hello or goodbye then you will pick it up in no time at all. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Make sure that you use the sign in relevant situations. If you are signing for milk, make sure it is just before their feed time and reward them with the milk to enhance the comprehension.
Ensure your baby is in the mood. If they are tired or hungry they are not going to be interested. If this is the case, just sign to them for consistency and provide them with their needs. Don’t make it a negative experience or they are likely to want to forget about doing it.
Make sure you sign to them while they are watching and so that they can see your hands clearly. Don’t make it too complicated. Although they are attracted to movement, you want to make it as easy for them to copy as possible. This is why baby sign language is specifically designed to be within the capabilities of the baby and shouldn’t involve finger spelled signs.
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