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1. Why is it important to use sign language with my baby? Recent research findings indicate that children who communicated using sign language as babies exhibited an average increase of 12 points on IQ tests. Signing babies become better readers and are higher achievers in educational programs than their non-signing peers. The benefits of using a second language are present as the child begins to read and continue to assist his learning development throughout the later years of his education. Signing children outperform non-signing children in a wide range of academic skills. Since many children are able to use up to 50 or more signs before they begin to speak, there are several immediate advantages, such as reduced crying, increased self esteem, better bonding and trust between child and parent. 2. When is the best time to begin signing with my baby? Some parents begin signing at birth since receptive language input is important. Most babies are able to start signing between the 8th and 12th months, so we advise that parents begin signing before the 8th month. Some parents begin signing as late as the 24th month if the child is just beginning to speak. It is never too early to begin, nor is it ever too late. 3. How will I know when my baby is ready to sign meaningful words? Every baby's development is unique. Usually between the 8th and 12th month, the child shows evidence of readiness for signing. During our training workshop, we review the guidelines to look for in your child's behavior which will indicate readiness. One such guideline is when the baby brings objects to you and looks at you with good eye contact as if he is waiting for you to tell him the name of the object. There are several other behaviors to be looking for so that you will know when he is ready to sign. 4. I am concerned that the use of sign language may delay the beginning of my baby's speech. Quite the opposite! Research shows that babies who sign learn to speak earlier and have larger vocabularies than their non-signing peers. Often the first words produced are the same as the babies' first signs learned. Our training session will inform you of the proper way to speak and sign in unison to insure early onset of speech. Yes, and additional benefits as well due to the use of kinesthetic and visual motor skills at an early age. The list of educational advantages is lengthy and impressive! We use American Sign Language because the signs are standardized and your child will be able to communicate with other ASL users. 6. What should I do if my baby signs the words incorrectly? Some signs are difficult to make and your child will improvise and make a "similar" sign. When this happens, acknowledge and accept his attempt and continue to show him the correct sign. Always give praise for his signs since he may be giving his very best effort. If you give him a negative response, he may not be willing to try the next time. It is very important to keep it positive and fun. 7. What will I learn when I attend your workshop? While attending our workshop, you will learn the research based benefits of signing with your baby, how and when to start signing, and the manual alphabet and numbers 1-20. You will learn 90 "Baby Signs" and receive picture reminders of these signs to take home with you. You will be given a list of baby sign books, video tapes and home sign instruction kits. These may be purchased using an order form that is provided. You will also receive an ongoing support system for your signing experience. Basically, you will have everything you need to begin signing immediately with your baby. 8. What support will I receive from Sign Baby Sign after the first training session? We will be setting up sign play sessions where parents and their babies can meet on a regular basis to strengthen their signing skills. Baby sign books, video tapes, etc. will be made available for purchase or library borrowing. A network of signing mothers and fathers in your neighborhood will be provided and a chat room on the internet to put you in touch with other signing families across the nation. We encourage E-mail and phone communication with Sign Baby Sign to assure your steady progress. We provide access to an ASL Dictionary on our website for quick reference to new signs. If you have any additional suggestions as to how we may serve you, we are open to new ideas. Contacting us is easy. If you prefer E-mail contact us at signbabysign@comcast.net, or call us at (586) 405-2422. We will be able to provide you with details on workshops and sign group sessions in your area. We look forward to hearing from you. |
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