1. Stay simple and start slowly.
When you introduce signing to your baby, gradually introduce the
signs one at a time. It is recommended to begin with approximately
five words and once your baby has begun to respond to those words,
you can introduce more. Sign language can be a slow process
depending on the age of your baby when you begin. A six-month-old
who is introduced to signing may begin signing back to you anywhere
from one month to six months later; it simply depends on each
individual child.
2. Be patient.
Every parent has the ability to teach his or her baby sign
language. A major downfall for some parents is their lack of
patience. Signing is not something that will happen overnight, it
is a relatively slow process depending on each individual baby. Do
not be discouraged. Your baby is learning from you and will, when
the time is right, let you know that they understand through
signing. This learning process introduces invaluable interaction
with your baby. Do not give up whatever you do. Be patient and reap
the rewards of sign language.
3. Be consistent.
Once you have decided on your initial five words, be consistent in
using them with your baby. For example, if you are using the sign
'milk' with your baby and introduce this sign when you are feeding
your baby, be sure to continue to use it every time you feed your
baby. If you only use this sign now and again, your baby is less
likely to understand that this sign represents 'milk'. They may
think it is simply a game you are playing with them. The key here
is to incorporate sign into your everyday life. Each time you use
the word 'milk', develop an automatic reaction to sign and say the
word out loud. Repetition is the key to success.
4. Sign on your baby's level.
When you interact with your baby, it is important that you are on
their level. Keep your facial expressions and signs within their
field of vision. This ensures that your baby is seeing the correct
way to sign the word. By signing at an angle to your baby, your
baby's view of your sign may be totally different to the one that
you are attempting to create.
5. Use baby sign language in context.
When teaching baby sign language, it is important to relate the
word to the current situation or feeling of the moment. There is no
point in attempting to introduce your baby to a sign when that
particular sign represents something that has happened in the past.
For example, if you go for a walk with your baby and see a dog on
your walk, there is no point on the following day, in signing the
word 'dog' and saying "Remember the dog we saw yesterday in the
park." Australian Baby Hands recommends finding as many situations
as possible, in the present time, to use the sign that you are
attempting to teach. For instance, use the sign for 'dog' as you
read a story about a dog, watch a dog on television or point at
your family pet.
6. Always use the sign and the spoken word together.
Ensure that each time you sign a word; you accompany it with the
spoken word. This enables your child to make the connection between
the two more quickly.
7. Use motivating signs.
It is important when choosing your initial words that you use a
combination of 'practical' words and 'motivating' words.
'Practical' words highlight words that will make you and your
baby's life easier once sign language is in use in your home. These
words are more general words and include words such as eat, drink,
change, pain, sleep etc.
It is important to balance these words with words that are
motivating or interesting to your baby. 'Motivating' words may
include words such as teddy bear, ball, play etc. These are
specific things that your baby may have shown an interest in.
8. Teach family members and caregivers.
It is important to introduce the signs you are using with your baby
to people who are in contact with your baby on a regular basis.
This will ensure consistency. The more your baby sees the signs,
the sooner your baby will begin to sign back. Childcare facilities
are slowly beginning to introduce signing to their day care so be
sure to continually update them on what signs you are using with
your baby.
9. Use an appropriate facial expression with a sign.
This is especially important when teaching feelings or sensations
to your child. Sign language is a very visual language and members
of the deaf community use their face as part of the signing
process. When expressing a feeling, allow your face to vividly
illustrate the feeling. A feeling of happiness can be illustrated
with a big smiling face while signing and saying the word. A
feeling of fear can be illustrated with frowning eyebrows or a
startled look. Some words do not require or do not have an obvious
facial expression. To animate your face is initially a little
strange for beginners to sign language. To practice, stand in front
of a mirror and see if you would know from your facial expression
what word you are trying to sign. Remember you are better to
over-express than under-express your signs with your face.
10. Encourage your baby's attempts.
When your baby begins to sign, they probably will not initially get
the sign 100% correct. It is important though to praise them for
their efforts and repeat the sign correctly back to them. When the
child is showing you that they need something, give it to them,
even if the sign is only approximately correct. They will begin to
realise that it works!
11. Have fun!
Sign language is a beautiful visual language and not one to get
stressed about. If you are stressed when signing, your baby will
pick up on this. Signing should be fun for you and your baby. It
should not feel like a chore but be a part of your everyday life.
Relax, have fun and enjoy the benefits that this wonderful language
can bring to you and your baby.
Article written by Jackie Durnin: Jackie Durnin is the Author
of "Australian Baby Hands", using Auslan, Australian Sign Language
to communicate with your baby. For more details go to www.australianbabyhands.com
where you can register for you're FREE chart of common
signs.