How to Teach Sign Language to a Baby

If you are thinking of starting to sign to your baby here are a few signs that are good to start with. It takes patience to teach a baby sign language because not all babies will respond at the same rate. You should repeat the signs each time you use the word.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Sign: MORE
   Hand shape: both hands use a semi-flattened "o"
   Location: chest
   Orientation: palms facing each other
   Movement: bring both "flattened-O" hands together.

2. 

   Sign: MILK
   Hand shape: fist with thumb folded over index finger
   Location: chest
   Orientation: fist facing left
   Movement: open and close fist two times
   Memory Aid: milking a cow

3. 

   Sign: JUICE
   Hand shape: “J” shape with right hand
   Location: cheek
   Orientation: pinkie finger up, middle three fingers folded down, thumb next to chin
   Movement: twist hand back and forth
   Memory Aid: draw a "J"

4. 

   Sign: EAT
   Hand shape: “O” shape with right hand
   Location: mouth
   Orientation: palm facing you
   Movement: tap mouth once with fingers

5. 
   lessontutor.com

   Sign: SLEEP
   Hand shape: open right hand over face
   Location: face
   Orientation: palm facing you
   Movement: move hand down toward chin, bringing fingers together to touch thumb

Resources

• Visit Lesson Tutor for more on ASL.

[LynnKeller]

on 2/4/2008 Hi Daniel, I am going to write an Baby Sign Language Part Three. Are there any other baby topics that interest you?

[danielzrib]

on 1/7/2008 I've heard that sign language is very good for babies, and it enables them to communicate long before they are able to form words with their mouths. Keep these articles coming!