Communication is a fundamental part of human interaction, and for children, acquiring effective communication skills is a crucial developmental milestone. One powerful tool to enhance early communication is sign language. Early sign language provides a bridge between the nonverbal communication of infants and the spoken language that they will eventually acquire.
Also read: Teaching, Giving and Asking for Directions to Kids
Important Infant Sign Language
Let’s explore some important and basic sign language for infants.
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Tap the fingertips of both hands together to make this symbol. It is a multifunctional sign that can be used to communicate an interest in more food, play, or any fun activity.
Eat
To sign eat, bring the tips of your fingers to your mouth. This infant sign language is particularly useful for indicating hunger or mealtimes.
Drink
The infant sign language for drink involves bringing an open hand, and fingers together, to your mouth as if you are taking a sip.
All Done or Finished
To signify that an activity is complete, open both hands with palms facing up and shake them back and forth.
Milk
The basic sign language for infants for milk involves opening and closing a fist, similar to milking a cow. This can be used when expressing a desire for milk or during feeding times.
Please
The infant sign language for please involves rubbing your chest in a circular motion with the flat of your hand. It’s a polite way to request something.
Thank You
To say thank you, bring the fingertips of an open hand to your chin and then move the hand forward. This sign helps instil manners from a young age.
Sorry
For the sign of sorry, place one hand on your chest and make a circular motion. This sign helps children express remorse or apologise.
Help
To ask for assistance, extend your arm, open your hand, and use a tapping motion. This sign is helpful for children when they want support.
Play
The infant sign language for play involves fluttering the fingers of both hands together.
Book
The sign for the book is made by opening and closing your hands together. Teaching this sign encourages a love for reading.
Sleep
The infant sign language for sleep involves closing your eyes and resting your head on your hands. This sign is beneficial for indicating when a child is tired or wants to go to sleep.
Bath
The sign for the bath is made by rubbing your hands together as if washing. Teaching this sign helps children express when they want to take a bath.
Mum
The sign for mum involves tapping your thumb on your chin. This sign helps children identify and call for their mothers.
Dad
The sign for Dad involves tapping your thumb on your forehead. This sign helps children identify and call for their fathers.
Yes
“Yes” is indicated by shaking your head up and down. Teaching this basic sign language to infants gives an indirect method to show their approval.
No
The basic sign language for infants is shaking your head from one side to another side. Teaching this sign allows children to express when they don’t want something.
Hot
The sign for hot involves fanning your mouth as if to cool it down. Teaching this sign helps children communicate when something is too warm.
Cold
The sign of cold involves hugging your body and shivering. This sign helps children express when something is chilly.
Colours
Introduce signs for basic colours, such as red, blue, and green, by using hand shapes or movements that represent each colour. This can enhance early vocabulary development.
Also read: Kinesthetic Learning: Examples, Signs And Strategies
Tips For Teaching Sign Language To Infants
Start Early
Introduce sign language to your child as early as possible. Babies understand the signs even before they can speak.
Consistency is Key
Be consistent in using signs during everyday interactions. Repeating the action helps to maintain the connection between the sign and its meaning.
Use Signs as Routine
Communicate using sign language during daily activities such as mealtime, playtime, and bedtime. Connecting signs with specific activities help children understand their relevance.
Be Patient and Encouraging
Children may take time to grasp sign language, so be patient. Encourage their attempts, and celebrate their successes to create a positive learning environment.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids, such as picture books or flashcards featuring the signs, can enhance the learning experience for children. Pairing signs with images reinforces understanding.
Make it Fun
Turn sign language learning into a playful activity. Incorporate games, songs, or even create simple stories that involve the use of signs.
Involve Other Caregivers
Ensure that other family members are aware of and use the same signs. Consistency across environments supports effective learning.
Follow Their Lead
Pay attention to your child’s interests and incorporate signs related to those interests. This makes learning more engaging and relevant to them.
Use Signs in Context
Teach signs within the context of daily life. For instance, when introducing the sign for milk, use it during feeding times to establish a clear association.
Reinforce Spoken Words
Introduce signs alongside spoken words to reinforce language development. This dual approach helps children make connections between signs and their corresponding verbal expressions.
Celebrate Goals
Celebrate your child’s language goals, no matter if they are spoken words or sign language. Effective encouragement increases the continuing use of sign language.
Create a Sign Language Space
Designate a specific space, such as a noticeboard or a corner in their room, to display signs and practise them regularly. This visual reinforcement aids memory.
Expand Vocabulary Gradually
Start with a manageable number of signs and gradually introduce new ones as your child becomes more comfortable. This gradual approach prevents overwhelm.
Also read: Speech Disorders In Kids
Importance Of Teaching Basic Sign Language For Kids
Enhances Communication
Sign language provides a means of communication for preverbal or early verbal children, reducing frustration and promoting effective interaction.
Boosts Language Development
The use of sign language with spoken language increases overall language development. It improves your knowledge of words, understanding, and expressive language skills.
Facilitates Early Expression
Sign language allows children to express themselves before they can articulate words verbally. This early expression supports their emotional and social development.
Strengthens Bond
The process of learning and using sign language together creates a bond between parents and children, developing a strong emotional connection.
Reduces Frustration
Sign language gives a means for expressing wants and desires for youngsters who are not yet able to communicate effectively through speech, minimising stress.
Supports Cognitive Development
Learning sign language involves cognitive processes that stimulate brain development. It promotes cognitive flexibility, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Encourages Multilingualism
Learning sign language in newborns provides early exposure to multiple languages. This exposure can lay the foundation for later language acquisition, including the learning of additional spoken languages.
Supports Special Needs Education
Sign language can be a valuable tool, helping communication for children with speech or hearing challenges.
Positiveness
The interactive and playful nature of learning sign language fosters a positive attitude toward learning in general. It sets the stage for the love of getting new skills.
At EuroSchool, we understand the importance of teaching basic sign language to children from birth to early childhood as an essential part of their overall development. This highlights communication, helps with language learning, and provides a basis for cognitive and social abilities.
