Hello everyone! Misty of Baby Sign Language has agreed to write a wonderful helpful article to introduce everyone to sign language for your baby. This is something I've taken a great interest in myself, especially since my son has been showing frustration when trying to tell me what he wants. It is much easier for them to get across their meaning via sign language! I hope to have Misty spot light more posts in the future! Please read below and make sure to visit the web links provided. The web site is amazing and full of information, videos and flash cards to help you get started, or continue teaching your baby to sign!
How To Adapt Baby Sign Language For Your Baby
Baby sign language is a cool way to communicate with your baby before your baby can actually talk. To learn baby sign language you need to have a signing system that you and baby can understand. The most popular system is American sign language for babies, which is used all over the world. Once you have begun signing, however, don’t be afraid to adapt baby sign language to make it work for you. As long as you and baby understand the signs you are using that’s all that matters! To adapt baby signing to make it work for you and your baby, remember these five simple words…
- Fun
- Repeat
- Encourage
- Learn
- Adapt
1. Fun
Baby sign language needs to be fun – that is your number one goal. If it’s not fun your baby won’t learn anything and you won’t enjoy teaching baby sign language. To adapt signing to your needs, find ways to include signs in all the fun activities you do every day. Sing your signs, tell stories with them, sign in the car, sign when playing together, sign while out shopping. Create a warm, fun environment when teaching Baby Sign Language – your baby will begin to sign much sooner.
2. Repeat
Repetition is the key to teaching baby sign language. Babies need repetition of a new sign for around two months before they start to use it themselves. Start with your favorite signs and repeat them as often as you can.
3. Encourage
It’s important to encourage your baby whenever he tries to make a sign – even if you don’t know what he’s trying to say be sure to give him loads of encouragement with good eye contact, a positive tone of voice and lots of hugs and kisses. Praise him just for trying. When you understand what sign he’s making, respond by letting him know you ‘get it. This will build his confidence to try again.
4. Learn
Once you and baby have mastered the basics you can start to expand your signing vocabulary. Introduce any new signs slowly, and remember to have fun, repeat and encourage all the time. It’s best to stick to one group of signs at a time, such as food, colors, shapes, or animals. Once these have been mastered, move on to a new group. Don’t forget to use the signs you’ve already learned while you are introducing new ones.
5. Adapt
Remember – Mommy knows best. If you or your baby find a sign difficult or something doesn’t work for you, it’s fine to adapt baby sign language to suit. Make up your own signs. The point of Baby Signing is to improve communication and give your little one the tools he needs to tell you what he wants or how he feels. It’s your language – who cares if no one else understands it? Adapt learning Baby Sign Language to fit your needs, and remember to have fun along the way.
