Sign Language
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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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Baby Babble: Speech Enhancing Video
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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.
