Baby Sign Language
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When my kids were babies I did use sign
language with them. I have to say that it was a great decision for us.
I know that some people worry that if they do sign with their babies that
their speech will be delayed or that there is really no benefit to signing.
Some wonder if babies can truly understand and communicate at such a young
age. |
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First, babies can definitely understand
communication at a young age. Their inability to talk does not mean
that they can not communicate. Without the ability to talk or sign
most babies communicate through crying or making happy sounds. |
Your baby
is crying and you don't know why! If only he could tell you what was
wrong... |
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I found that once I started signing with my
babies the crying was reduced. They were able to tell me what they
wanted or needed. At about 10 months old my babies were able to tell
me if they were hungry, thirsty or if they were all done. They later
progressed to be able to let me know what they wanted to eat or drink. |
Even though I used sign language with my
babies they were fairly early talkers. I will never forget the look on my son's
pediatrician's face when at his 12 month check up he pointed to his water
sippy and said "please." The pediatrician looked at me in a slightly
strange way and asked if she really just heard what she thought she heard.
I think that signing can have a very positive affect on a child's ability to
speak. At a very young age they are learning how to communicate
effectively. So, when the ability to verbalize comes they have already
mastered communication. Now they begin to do it with words instead of
signs. I see signing as a definite advantage in the development of oral
language. |
