What are the benefits of using ASL with hearing babies and toddlers?
There are many benefits to signing with hearing children.
- Minimizes tantrums and increases communication
- Children who sign tend to read at an earlier age
- Introduces children to another language
- Increases children’s vocabulary
- Teaching the physical compnent makes learning feel like play.
- A REALLY COOL Parenting Tool
Research shows that signing
- Improves confidence and self esteem
- supports spelling skills (lots of word & letter association)
- improves reading skills
I grew up going to an elementary school that used an inclusion model. This means that children with disabilities were in the classroom as much as possible. When my Great-Grandpa got older, was in a wheelchair, and couldn’t talk well, I was comfortable around him. My parents were not. But I could talk to Grandpa and play with him. By teaching your child sign language, you’re preparing them for the world around them.
Every parent wants to communicate with their child. Signing gives you the tools to do that before your child is ready to talk. Your face contains the most muscles in your body. Many of those around your mouth. It takes a lot of practice and hard work to learn how to talk. This can be frustrating for both parents and children. Sign Language gives YOU a tool to communicate with your child.
Remember to continue speaking while you’re signing. You’re helping your child associate the sign with the word and situation. Everyone learns better using their eyes and ears to learn. BUT when you add your hands, it uses all three modes of learning… audio, visual, and physical!
