How to Teach Your Baby Simple Sign Language

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By M Laughlin
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My son

We all know how difficult it can be to communicate with your child who hasn't learned or hasn't perfected speaking yet. Using sign language along with speaking to them is an excellent way to communicate with your children, and to teach them a second language at the same time. American sign language is a great asset for everyone to have, and starting early is always key.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Persistance

Step 1

The first step to teaching sign language to your child is to be persistant. Whenever you ask your child if they are hungry, say "are you hungry?" while doing the sign. It doesn't take long for them to understand the sign, but it will take effort for them to sign back to you.
Step 2

Eat or Hungry

Learn the basics. You don't need to try and have a complex conversation with your 8 month old, but you can do "eat" or "hungry", "cookie" and "mother". For my son I use the sign for "eat" when I ask if he is hungry because it is so simple, but use whatever works for you.
EAT
Shape your hand as if you were doing a shadow puppet, or pinching something with all of your fingers. Bring your hand to the area between your bottom lip and your chin. Or directly on your chin also. See picture for more detail.
Step 3

COOKIE
This one you wont use until your child is a little older, maybe around 1 year. With your left hand, or your non-dominant hand, hold facing up, and your other hand shape in a cupping position as if you were turning a large door knob. Place the cupped hand in the palm of your other hand and twist the "cookie" or cupped hand while asking if your child wants a cookie.
Step 4

MOTHER
This one is my favorite, and is very easy to learn. With your dominant hand open like you are waving, and use the tip of your thumb to touch your chin. Your hand will be slightly angled away from you.
Step 5

FATHER
This one is the same as Mother, just with the tip of your thumb touching the center of your forehead, not your chin.
Step 6

THANK YOU
I'll make this the last one, as it is the most important. You can never learn to say thank you too early. Take your dominant hand with your fingers closed together. Touch the tips of your fingers to your lips and then bring your hand down in front of you, almost like you are blowing a kiss.