I recently took a course, “Sign Language for Infants: An Introductory Guide”, and read the book, Baby Signs by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn. I plan to incorporate a few simple signs into the child care program. Attached is a copy of the signs I will use, they are from the book. Your child will probably show you some signs and it may be fun for you to use a little sign language at home. Children really seem to love signing. And parents can use it when on the phone, at restaurants and times when talking is limited. The best way to teach signs is to use them in context, and say the word at the same time. Repetition is key to learning.

According to the book, babies are not delayed in verbal language skills if they use sign language first. The book stresses that babies who use sign language show advanced learning skills for years to follow.

The best window for signing is before talking, the time when frustration is high and communication necessary, (6 months – 18 months). Older children will usually drop signing when they are talking, but they still find it fun. Children younger than 6 months may be able to understand signs, but don’t usually have the coordination to do signs. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. I have picked out signs that I think will be most often used, (for needs and safety) and I kept it to a few for simplicity. If you have any specific needs for your child, please let me know and we can add additional signs. These signs do not strictly follow American Sign Language (ASL), rather they are simple, logical movements that work for children. If you have any sings that your child uses, please let me know and we can use them—such as lifting arms for pick me up.