BABY SIGNING

Communication:
The word classically represents exchange of an idea from one person to another.
Gestures, sounds, pictures, body language, facial expressions, speech and the
written word are all ways to communicate.
Language:
It is a system of communication utilizing symbol systems with specific rules of
use. They may be verbal (any spoken language) or non verbal(sign)
Speech:
This means a vocal combination of sounds patterned on the basis of a
meaningful vocabulary.
Speech
Languag
e
Communicat
ion

Communication exists from day 1 when the baby is able to express his needs
via his crying and facial expressions. Language develops after a few months
when babies start to use complex integration to convey meaning like looking at
the object you are talking about, understanding simple instructions like"come
here" or "no". Speech is the last to develop and it requires enough databases of
sounds associated with objects and actions of daily use. This is when the child

starts using sound combinations consistently to represent entities. Eg: "pa" for
water.
Sign Language:
What does it mean?
Sign language is a way to expressing using hand and finger combinations.
There are several types of sign languages, mostly according to the country of
origin. We are going to talk about signs from American Sign Language (ASL)
here. But remember since we are using signs as a form of communication till
speech develops, none of these signs have to be followed perfectly. You can
design your own sign as most of the communication has a cultural and familial
context.
When can you start?
Typically babies get vocal (apart from cooing) around 6-8months. You will also
notice that they are showing preferences in their daily routines, like looking for
their favorite toy or book, getting excited when you start changing because they
know they are going out or playing with food during meal times. This is the ideal
time to start using sign. Now brain processing is shifting gears. Information is
being analyzed for its use rather than just whether its safe or not. The baby can
actually understand the need for a bilateral flow of communication rather than
just meeting of basic needs. The arm and finger movements needed to learn the
signs are not developed enough before this time as well.
Quick checklist: If your baby is doing any of these, you can start.

At least 6 months old

Pointing to objects
Bringing toys to parent for a response
Waving bye-bye or clapping
Shaking head for yes/no
Frustrated because he is not understood by you
No words for important things yet

How to get started?

1. Download and print a chart you want to use. Or you can find signs
individually of Google and make your own chart. If you are planning to
make your own signs, I suggest you take a photo and put it on the chart.
Put up the chart where it is visible so all caregivers are able to follow the
signs. CONSISTENCY
2. Start with signs that indicate abstract like help or more. I feel that kids
learn to point to objects they need but abstract feelings are hard to
express. If your child is older and can manage some easy ones, you can
start with other words that are essential in everyday life like milk, eat,
play etc. SIMPLICITY
3. In the beginning, after you sign the word (also say it while signing), move
your childs hands in the same motion so they are learning too.
MEMORIZATION
4. Repeat, repeat and repeat again. Your child will eventually start signing
back. On an average, a 9 month old exposed to signs will sign back in 2-3
months consistently. Please note: this is average- your child may need
less or more time. REPETITION
5. Your child may modify a sign as they start to get involved in the process.
Let it be fun and follow your childs lead. CREATIVITY
6. Till speech is fully developed, signing will not replace speech if you are
enunciating words with sign and having your child at least attempt to
make a similar sound back. ASSOCIATION
7. If the baby shows even an attempt to sign, immediately praise and react
accordingly. REINFORCEMENT
8. Once the child is talking, signing will automatically fade away (unless you
are attempting your child to be bi-lingual with sign) PATIENCE

Benefits of baby signing:

1. Makes life easier by reducing communication frustration and tears.
2. Gives the child a basis of what communication entails.

3. Gives them a path to follow when speech comes in.

4. A quick check of how your childs brain is developing its communication
pathways.
5. Evidence-based way to actually kick starting language development. It is shown
that vocabulary of signers was better than non-signers at 2 years.
6. A huge emotional support for the children themselves to be able to get their
needs met with the drama.

How to check progress?

Your baby will start using at least gross signs and have fewer frustrations while

communicating.
They will look for the object if you occasionally just sign without words (this

would be a one-off event. Please make sure you are always talking and signing)
Baby will imitate signs back

Here is a link to a chart with some examples of baby signs. Remember, these
are just guidelines. Improvise to what suits your baby's needs and abilities.
http://www.babysignlanguage.com/wp-content/uploads/chart/baby-signlanguage-chart-us.pdf
http://www.babysignlanguage.com/dictionary/first-signs/
There are more charts and pictures on this site to use for your own charts.
http://www.babysignlanguage.com/

By making signing fun and a part of your song and dance routine, children will
pick up signs faster and lay the foundation for language.