When our first grandchild, Sophia, was around seven months,
Amanda asked if I was interested in joining them at baby sign language
classes. I had never heard of something
like this before, so I was definitely interested in learning more and of
course, it’s my grandchild! Jon’s
reaction, on the other hand, was quite different. “What a scam.
You get a first time mother and the grandmother to buy a class on sign
language? It’s a rip off as far as I can
see.” Then he would proceed to go into
his own “signing” which was just waving his arms and mocking the process. (More on that later.) Over a period of about 8 weeks, I was able to
attend several classes, and I began to understand the power of this form of
communication for babies and toddlers who were “pre-verbal” communicators.
The instructor taught the class by introducing basic signs
with an example accompanied with the “word.”
Our basic human needs such as hungry, thirsty, and more were the first
signs presented. Parents begin to
introduce these signs and they use the word and the sign simultaneously over
and over. It may be 9 months or so when
the child begins to sign in return, however, they've been learning by watching
for quite some time already. Once the
first three signs are learned, then more can be introduced. The goal is to teach our little ones how to
get their needs met long before they can verbalize and with fewer crying
episodes. EVERYONE is less frustrated.
When the child can communicate in a
successful way, we avoid the tantrums and melt downs much more!! The child is more engaged, shares, is more
curious and asks questions etc. etc. The
instructor told the story of her then 18 month old daughter sitting in her high
chair watching Mom iron, and signed “What is that?” How many of us would have believed that an 18
month old would even ask the question in the first place let alone be curious
about it? So Mom had a conversation
about what an iron is and what she was doing.
These conversations take place all the time now when the toddler can ask
a question by signing “what’s that?” or specifically ask for help with
something by signing “help.” The brains
of our young ones are going all the time and are like sponges. It’s amazing, exciting, and POWERFUL what
they can learn when they have a way to communicate and the adults around them can actually understand them.
There are numerous studies out now which show sign language
with babies boosts brain development.
Important developmental benefits include: children speaking earlier and having a larger
vocabulary unlike the misconception that sign language stunts a child’s
language development. There is much more
of a “conversation” with children since we realize now how much they understand
and how many questions they ask. The
studies further contend there is a 12 point IQ advantage over their peers, and
teachers observe the children who have used signed language are talking in full
sentences whereas others of the same age either resort to pointing, grunting,
or speaking using 3-4 words. It’s such
fun when they sign, “What’s that?” which is followed by a conversation. You can just “see the wheels spinning.”
Back to Jon. Sophia
was at our house along with our daughter, her husband, and their dog. The dog was chewing on a bone. Sophia, who was probably around a year,
signed “dog – eat.” Yes, Sophia, the dog
is chewing on a bone. She then proceeded
to the cats’ food bowl. She signed “cat
– eat.” Yes, that’s the kitty’s food. The clincher then was Sophia taking Poppa’s
hand and signed fish. Not knowing what
she wanted, he was informed that she wanted to go feed the fish. Sophia knew where the fish were and that
Poppa is the one who feeds them. At this
point, Jon now needs to learn how to sign “eat crow.” J And, I will say, he is now THE biggest
advocate for children signing and is the first to tell any new parent or
grandparent that they need to be sure to teach baby sign language. We have seen it work over and over again with
all five of the older grandchildren and Nyelle, at only 4 ½ months,
will also be taught when it’s time.
Not only for the parents but also for grandparents,
understanding the various signs is easy, fun, and helps ease everyone’s frustration.
I recall one time when we were babysitting Bria who was probably about
16 months at the time. She woke up
crying, early in the morning, so I did the usual of changing her diaper and
giving her another bottle. However, she
continued to cry after the bottle. Now
what? I signed “eat,” and she nodded her
head yes. I gave her a little cereal
bar, she ate the whole thing, was now ready to go back to bed, and fell right
asleep. Really? Only because I knew a few signs was I able to
figure out what she wanted which eliminated the crying and my anxiety.
Signing “more” is a wonderful concept for the
children to communicate when they’re still hungry. THEY decide NOT the adult. When they’re finished “all done” comes in
very handy. These signs are also
beneficial when you’re playing a game, reading a book, or any activity. Zane and Teagan are particularly good at
signing “more” when they’re swinging. J What great skills for very young children to
learn. When it comes to eating or
needing a drink, they are already listening to their body’s needs, they’re
making choices – do you want milk or water?
The child is in control and as the parent or grandparent we’re not
guessing what they need or want. Sign
language is a powerful tool for our pre-verbal children to use to communicate!!
In addition to the signs: eat, milk, water, more, all done,
all of our children have taught our grandchildren manners! Yes, manners.
They have all learned to sign “please” and “thank you.” I LOVE IT!!
In fact, the grandchildren are sometimes much better about it than the
adults. The other common courtesy is to
not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Therefore, the routine is to go around the
table and ask each person if he/she is done.
When asked, we each give the “all done” sign, or if we’re still eating
everyone waits. It’s priceless.
If you’re interested in learning more you can get on line
and Google “baby sign language.” You
don’t have to take a class, as there are also books, CD’s, and videos to teach
you.
Have a wonderful week!
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