I have been interested in sign language my whole life. I am far from fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), but I have always known the basics. When I was pregnant with my daughter I looked at research discussing the benefit of teaching sign language to infants. I'm not a fan of baby signs, only of using ASL with babies. There is a difference, ASL is a language that you and your child can use your whole life. Baby signs are made up gestures that your child will soon outgrow. I think parents, caregivers and educators should all learn a bit of sign and teach the young people in their life.

Date Added: Jan 28, 2008 Hits: 1 Rating: 5.00 Votes: 1

Tiny fingers - Tiny gesturesThese are the tools your baby has to express her needs and desires. The brilliance of these tiny tools is evident in the fact that WE EXIST... SURVIVE and THRIVE!Did you know that teaching your baby American Sign Language will use his natural inclination to communicate while fostering verbal language development? When you observe babies and toddlers it quickly becomes clear that their gestures bring joy... and also have meaning. They move their hands and fingers, touch them together and try to reach things. Dr. Marilyn Daniels, associate professor of speech communication at Penn State's Worthington Scranton Campus says, "Sign language has the unique capacity to tap into the natural exchange between hand and brain, optimizing the emergence of language in the child because of the physiological advantage of American Sign Language (ASL) over English."Here's some great news... You don't have to be a fluent signer to have the ability to teach your baby signs... and you'll still have a BIG impact in enhancing her language development, heightening bonding and reducing frustration as your child successfully communicates his needs and desires in a language that anyone can learn easily!!In fact, by the time you've finished reading this blog I'll bet you'll easily remember at least 5 simple signs that you'll be able to teach your baby today! And naturally, you'll find all sorts of resources about Sign Language for Babies

Date Added: Feb 22, 2008 Hits: 0 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0