How to Teach Babies Sign Language

If you teach babies sign language, they will gain many advantages. When a parent begins to teach babies sign language, they have improved communication skills, improved social skills, and lowered frustration levels.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sign Language Dictionary

1. Start early. If you simply begin to use sign language around your baby, as well as when you are talking to your baby, it will help to immerse your child in the language. This is a great way to begin to teach babies sign language.

2. Start simply. Don’t expect your baby to learn every sign right away. If you are going to teach babies sign language, you must start with a few simple signs for words you say a lot. Examples include: Mommy, Daddy, eat, drink, and diaper.

3. Be Consistent. Using the sign for ‘book’ each time you read the bedtime story will associate the sign with the word, and with the object. To teach babies sign language, you must continue to use the signs consistently when you talk to them.

4. Be Patient. Learning to speak doesn’t happen overnight, whether you are trying to teach your baby to talk out loud, or you are going to teach babies sign language. Your baby will surprise you one day, and once he or she gets the hang of making signs, you will be thrilled by how fast your baby learns to express himself or herself.

Tips & Warnings

• Most temper tantrums arise from frustration. A baby that has feelings or needs, but can't express them in any other way than crying, is a frustrated baby. As you teach babies sign language, you will find that they are less frustrated, as they are better able to express their needs.

Resources

• Sign With Your Baby