About Baby Sign Language
Baby sign language is a form of communication that can be taught to infants before they can talk. Interest in baby sign language began in the 1980s and has increased in popularity since. It is based on the idea that babies develop signs naturally (for example, waving "bye-bye"), and thus can be taught to sign more in order to express their needs.
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Locate Signs
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Baby sign language dictionaries can be located online. A couple of good sites for finding baby signs are MyBabyCanTalk.com and Kindersigns.com.
Which Signs
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The signs you choose to teach your baby is up to you. You may wish to teach your baby to sign the word milk to announce when he is thirsty, or maybe the word monkey if his favorite toy is a stuffed monkey. Choose one or several signs to teach your baby.
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Teaching Sign
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Teaching baby sign language can begin as early as six months of age and is not difficult to do. Simply use the sign when you are about to perform the action (such as feeding) or talking about something (such as the stuffed monkey). Eventually your baby will pick up on these signs, though it may take weeks, or even months.
Benefits
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Benefits of baby sign language include an earlier understanding of the English language, less frustration when trying to communicate needs and may learn to speak earlier.
Classes
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Some communities have classes or workshops to teach baby sign language. Try searching for these classes in newspapers or by contacting your local family resource center.
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