A short while ago, we posted an article examining some tips for signing with your baby. In this article, we cover more fundamentals for baby sign language to ensure you have a successful and rewarding experience teaching your baby to sign.
Pay Attention to Baby’s Perception
A baby is constantly perceiving new things. For better success in teaching your baby to sign, be alert to what your child is perceiving. If you notice what your child is perceiving, you will know what to sign when. By the time your baby’s eyes and gazes start to connect with yours, he is ready to start learning to sign. Get down on your baby’s level, literally and figuratively. When we are cognizant of what our children perceive, we are better communicators and teachers.
Babies have different types of perceptions, each presenting a new chance to teach a new sign. Your child may have a need or express a feeling or desire. For example, if your baby finishes drinking his milk, he may express that he wants “more.” The very moment you notice this expression would be an opportune time to make the sign for “more.” Often, it is clear that you and your baby are making a connection. You may smile at each other at the same time. When you make this type of connection, your child is receptive to what you have to say. Be sure to recognize this as an a good time to introduce a sign. Other times, you and your baby will perceive the same object, like the family pet. This is obviously a great time to sign “dog.” One method to help direct your child’s perception is to make the sign in front of the object you are signing about. Or, You can sign with that object on your child’s body!
All in the Family
One of the key factors for success in in baby sign language is to get others involved in the process. It is very important for your friends and family to take part in the process. If you are like most parents, lots of people take part in caring for your child. These people play a key role in the development of your child. Most children have regular contact with other family members. In our family, we could not get by without help from wonderful grandparents. So, keep signing “all in the family” and get the entire family involved in the process (especially Grandaddy and Grandmother).
In lots of households today, both mom and dad work full time and leave the baby at daycare. Such children will have a better time in learning to sign if their daycare workers are involved in the process. A baby’s daycare workers and baby sitters are part of his extended family. Make sure your child’s extended family knows you are teaching him sign language and show them the signs you are working on at any given time. At the very least, they should know some basic signs that your child uses on a regular basis and be involved in teaching those signs. If they refuse to participate with signing, you should find another daycare.
Attitude is Everything!
We think that attitude is important for all aspects of life. As the heading says, “attitutude is everything.” One of the most important keys to succeed in baby sign language is for you to HAVE FUN! Get excited and have a good time when you are showing your baby a sign. Baby sign language is more about attitude and persistence than any specific technique. If you recognize teaching opportunities, and stick with it, your baby will be signing back to you in no time. Please don’t give up if your child does not sign back to you right away. Every child is unique and every child learns and responds at his own pace.
Communicating with your baby should be intuitive and natural. You don’t need to be taught to communicate with your child. Trust your instincts and be expressive when you talk to your baby. Your expressions should match your signs. Your child will respond as much to emotions and facial expressions as to most things that are verbalized. Also, don’t get frustrated if your baby does not use perfect technique when he signs. Rather, recognize what he is trying to say and praise him for it. The process should be fun for you and your child. And your child will refine his technique as he continues to develop.
