How to Teach your baby sign language

There are many reasons to teach a baby sign language. The main reason is that they can communicate this way before they can speak. Some other reasons include that they will learn to speak faster; sign language has been proven that it improves vocabulary, and they can tell you what they need.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Before you can teach your baby sign language you first need to learn the signs you are going to teach. I used Baby Einstein first signs. We watched it together so I could learn the sign language. Or check out this web page http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/babysigns/main.htm

2. Then use your sign language every chance you get. Whenever you are in a situation were the sign can be used use it. The perfect time is dinner only give a little bit of food at a time and reserve the rest. Whenever your baby runs out say the word more, do the sign and give more food. You can do this with milk, drink, ball, baby and many more. All of the typical first words work. The key is repetition. Use real signs for your baby sign language. You can make up your own but I think it should be like teaching any other language you would not make up words to teach your baby for milk or cheese so why do it with signs.

3. Once they use sign language on there own applaud them and give them what they ask for. If they want more and you don't give it to them it may detour them from using that sign again so give them more the first few times even if you don't want them to have more. You can use another time to teach that lesson for now they need the gratification of getting what they communicated they wanted.

4. Now keep adding new signs at there pace and give lots of praise when they use there sign language.

Tips & Warnings

• Give lots of praise and reward by giving the baby what they ask for.
• Say the word with the sign every time

[Temcat]

on 4/21/2009 I think this is a great idea. I learned some sign language just because I thought it was interesting. It has beneficial for me. Good article. 5*

[Kathymcbain]

on 3/9/2009 My sister is an interpreter and she teaches classes to moms and babies - it's so cool!

[goodselfme]

on 2/27/2009 Great article with wonderful ideas. I learned from your post.

[Lilfix]

on 2/26/2009 I think this great! I learned sign language when I was a child (have forgotten most of it because I didn't keep up with it and didn't use it) and now I manage an apartment complex and I have a deaf woman and I feel so bad that I can't communicate fully with her...I really need to re-learn sign language again...Great article...RRCR5*

[w8tn4him]

on 2/26/2009 I am trying very hard to do this. My 20 month old refuses to talk...so we are trying to get him to sign 'more'...ughhhhhhh! He is a stubborn bird.