The Best Way To Teach Your Baby Sign Language
I received a message from another mom not too long ago. She had taken ASL either in high school or college, so knew the vocabulary, but felt lost and overwhelmed when it came to actually TEACHING her baby sign language.
Yes, using correct ASL vocabulary is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. But the implementation part is what causes many families to get stuck, not see success, and throw in the towel.
These four points include the best way to teach your baby sign language. So let’s dive in!
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Which signs to use:
Functional vocabulary is best because it’s used across many contexts and serve many language functions. Thus, your little one is more likely to be able to communicate their needs and wants with you! Check out this blog post to learn more in depth on that topic!
2. How to teach the signs:
You want to use sign language in multiple contexts and meaningful experiences.
While these two variables may seem like a lot, it really is just taking the time to make sure you are using signs as often as possible.
Multiple contexts means:
>signing throughout your day
>not using for only one setting or activity
>use signs in a sentence, not in isolation
Meaningful experiences can be:
>connecting signs to your child's activities & experiences
>not drill and practice
>reading books
>discovering nature
>playing with toys
Want to use sign language with your little one?
Get Started Now with 10 functional ASL signs to start using with your baby or toddler right away. Learn 3 tips to ensure you are using signs correctly and with realistic expectations. Whether you have already started signing, or just warming up to the idea, this free guide will take you one step closer to your goal!
Look Who’s Signing Now is my signature four part course that teaches you the exact blueprint I use to teach my own children sign language. Beginning with the foundation of why and when to use baby sign language, how to implement it, and what signs to use. With this self-study e-course, you will have the confidence to sign with your baby and boost their early communication while reducing frustrations, tantrums, and time wasted playing the guessing game.
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
When to use sign language:
I recommend starting with routines!
Routines are very habitual, and they become consistent as well as second nature. When sign language is embedded into your routines, it will naturally be part of your days for your baby to have consistent exposure.
How to use sign language:
Daily life doesn’t always present the most obvious ways to sign to where your baby can see you.
Sign in front of your baby if you are holding them, sitting with them, or they are in the highchair.
Sign on your baby if the sign would otherwise be behind your baby.
Sign on their level, during tummy time or fun activities.
With these 4 tips, you are on your way to having success teaching your baby sign language!
