Baby Signing
'Frequently Asked Questions'
When putting this section together We have listed the most commonly asked Questions we receive at 'Hands Can Talk' in reference to 'Baby Signing'.
By clicking on one of the 'Questions' below you will be taken to the relevant Answer.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, drop us an email. We can send the reply to you directly and/or place on the website if relevant.
What is the best age to start signing with my baby & how long before my baby starts to sign back ? TOP
All children develop in their own indivdidual way so you will find with some babies they will respond within a matter of weeks while others may take months. Research has found that most babies start signing at around six to eight months but this is not a guarantee. Your baby will sign when he or she is ready.
REPETITION: The more you use the signs the more likely your baby is to pick it up. Like any spoken language repetition is the key. Get into the habit of using the signs you want your baby to use in all situations. i.e the sign 'drink' can also be used between you and your partner or a friend as you offer to make a tea or coffee etc. You not only get your baby use to seeing the sign but you increase your fluency.
INTEREST: It helps if your baby is interested in what they are seeing. Sometimes we use a FUN sign (Dog, ice-cream) mixed in with the ones we really want them to learn to spark their interest.
How do I find out about sign language workshops? TOP
Baby/Toddler Sign Language workshops are either organised by Early Childhood services or groups of parents. You can check out whats coming up on the Workshops calender, go on the data base to be informed of upcoming workshops or contact us and book your own workshop.
Hands Can Talk are always happy to come to you. Both Aileen & Lisa are trained Makaton presenters and have a Certificate in Language ( Auslan).
So get in touch and we will help you get a workshop organised.
What are the benefits of teaching my baby sign language? TOP
Some of the benefits of teaching your baby sign language are:
- Sign Language helps your baby to get communicating earlier and will boost their spoken vocabulary
- Gives your baby the power to get your attention & helps with the understanding of what it is they want.
- Sign Language certainly helps to reduce frustration of not being understood.
- Research is showing that by introducing and continuing your childs use of sign language can provide a strong foundation for early literacy.
- Sign Language can also stimulate intellectual development.
- Research has also shown babies using sign tend to have better eye contact, and use of their facial and body language when communicating.
- With the increase in touching, eye contact, mimic and hand shaping the bond between parents and baby strengthens and grows.
How do I decide which sign language to use? TOP
Sign Language is not universal - most countries have their own version of sign language and each is very proud of their own individual language. At this time there are over 140 different sign languages around the world.The main difference in sign languages throughout the word are primarily whether they are done one-handed or two-handed.
Since we live in Australia we recommend using Auslan (Australian sign language) where possible. Auslan is a two-handed language that is extremely visual and closely connected to BSL (British Sign Language). ASL (American Sign Language) is one-handed and is closely connected to FSL (French Sign Language). Auslan and ASL is like chalk is to cheese - very few of their signs being the same.
By using a language that has already evolved within your country, you not only teach your child signs that are easily recognised by other Australian children who are using sign language. It also makes it a lot easier for others to communicate with your child when you use signs that are well established and recognised.
By using the signs used by the deaf community we are not breaking down or distorting their language.
But you do need to remember that although you are using 'Auslan' signs you are NOT using sign language the say way as it would be used within the Deaf community. Your children are hearing and live within a hearing community. You want your child to talk. So the most important rules are
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Always use voice when signing.
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Sign and speak in correct word order.
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Only sign the key words in a sentence.
Within Australia there are also a number of baby signing programs that have started up. And there are some who decided to develop a program that consists of only some Auslan signs and then added a mixture of signs from other countries and natural gesture.
It is up to you to decide which you would prefer to go with. There are plenty of articles on the benefits of sign/natural gesture to get your baby communicating and the only person who can make the final decision is you.
Remember to have fun & enjoy your time with your baby.
Will sign language delay or stop my baby/toddler from talking? TOP
Scientific research has clearly shown that the opposite is true.
Signing is always accompanied by spoken language and it has been found that using sign with a word actually helps to "cement" the word in the baby's memory.
Research has shown that thru working with two control groups, one of which used spoken language only, and the other spoken language and sign language, that the group using both forms of communication actually had 40 more words than the group using only spoken language.
For more information on research available look at pieces listed on Article Page, contact aileen@handscantalk.com.au, or Google 'research on babies using sign language'. There is no shortage of information out there.
As a point of interest: There are still sceptics out there that claim using sign language will stop a child speaking but in all the articles I have read I have seen little to endorse this belief.
Only in one instance have I seen a child that was signing very well at age 3 and barely talking, though it appeared she had the capacity to talk. BUT in this instance the mother had decided to emmerse herself and her daughter in sign language and she did not use spoken language very often with her daughter.
Not a choice I would recommend if you wanted your child to be able to communicate within a hearing, talking community!!
Is there any research to support the use of sign language with my baby? TOP
There have been a number of studies carried out on the benefits of using signing with hearing children to help develop their communication skills. Examples of some of these are:
Joseph Garcia at Alaska Pacific University- expand on - add web address
Dr Linda Acredolo & Susan Goodwyn at the University of California. -expand on and add web address
Dr Marilyn Daniels - expand on and add web address
These studies have concluded that signing has many benefits to children including increased verbal language development, more interest in books, higher IQ's as well as an stronger bond between child and parents.
Studies have also been carried out extensively with children with Special Needs - expand on.
Sing & Sign & Literacy using sign language for Hearing Children has also had considerable research - for more information ........
Can signing be used in a bilingual environment? TOP
Signing can provide the common denominator between different languages and can therefore make it easier for you to teach your child more than one verbal language.
While your baby may begin to mix words from different languages together they generally learn to sort it out and become fluent in more than one language.
Think of a child that comes from a home where French is the main language spoken, in the child care centre English is the common language, and now we have added Sign language.
As the carer says and signs 'drink' and
mum says and signs 'boisson'
the child can visualise the link - ahhh sign(drink) = drink/boisson (spoken)
To add to this arguement, we have gone to many centres, where there are many, many different languages being used. Sign language was added, to became the common demoniator on helping children learn to understand English better, communicate and cut down on the frustration that was so evident thru biting, hitting and tantrums. It was very successful.
What is Makaton and Key Word Sign Language? TOP
Answer: xx
Why use Makaton or Key Word Sign Language? TOP
If you have a child with speech and/or developmental delay that needs sign language to augment (assist) their communication. Or you just want to get your baby communicating earlier. Then using Makaton (Key word signing) is the right way to go.
As you talk and pick out the key words to sign (the words that are of most importance to your child), your child is getting the best possible input from you to assist with their getting started with communicating their needs, emotions and comprehension.
Your baby is listening to what you are saying, watching your hands , watching your facial expression, body language and tone of voice. All of these things help your baby to understand and learn.
Your child does not need to be immersed in Auslan (unless of course yuor child is deaf and this is your choice of communication).
The amount of signs you will use are much smaller than what is available thru Auslan. Add......
What is the best way to start learning sign language? TOP
The best way to learn sign language is face to face in a workshop. Not only do you learn the signs but you also get an understanding of what Baby Sign Language/ Key Word Sign is all about.
You also get a better understanding of why we choose to use Auslan Signs; the importance of facial expression and body language; why we just choose the key words to sign and why we always use voice.
Most importantly seeing someone demonstrate the signs is always easier than trying to work it out on your own.
NO WORKSHOPS IN YOUR AREA? - Have you thought about organising your own workshop.
Having a workshop not viable?
Keep an eye on the Event Calender to see where workshops are being held. Quite offen you can link into workshops. Just let us know if you are interested in any of the workshops available.
Bookings for workshops are constantly changing so you will need to check out the calender on a regular basis.
All of our workshops have a basic vocabulary for day-to-day activities and needs. Only a limited number of signs relate to specific topics, so if you are looking at getting started no matter the age of the person needing sign language any workshop would be an option. Rather than waiting for a specific workshop, i.e. the same basics would be in a workshop whether for baby/toddler, school age or adult.
Go to our resources page and look at all the wonderful sign language books, posters and flash cards we have available.
Is it too late to start using sign language if my baby is already saying some words? TOP
Even if your baby is already beginning to talk, signing can be beneficial.
Signing can help your child to expand on their spoken vocabulary by signing a word that they may not yet be able to verbalise but may want to use to express a feeling, need or desire.
Signing provides them with a much larger vocabulary to communicate with, which can then decrease the frustration that can result from children being unable to express themselves adequately.
How many signs do I need to know before I can start? TOP
You only need to know one sign to get started. And like any language the more you use it the better you get at it. Dont expect your child to respond to a sign that is seen only once every now and then. Start using the sign as your talking and it doesnt matter who you are talking to.
i.e 'Mum would you like a coffee/tea/beer/water' and at the same time you do the sign for 'drink'. May not necessarily be the actual sign for the drink you are offering but to a child it has the same meaning. You are asking someone if they want a drink?
My baby/child is now signing. How do I learn more and what else can we use to make signing fun? TOP
You can learn more signs by looking them up and practicing. Going to workshops can expand your knowledge - all of 'Hands Can Talks' workshops cover at least 70 signs. They also sell a number of resources you can use to help you and your child expand on their vocabularly.
Sing & Sign is a great way to enjoy signing, reading and signing whatever you know adds actions to stories and fuels the imagination.
Take any game yuor child enjoys and just add a signing element to it for more enjoyment.
Again 'Hands Can Talk' have a number of books like the See, Sign & Say series that are bright and enjoyable and easy to use. Containing beautiful bright photos of whatever is being signed. Photos being the first step in a childs understanding after the actual object
i.e. Your daughter pats the dog and you sign 'dog' to her, then show her how to do the sign (making sure your using voice at the same time (either saying dog or making a sound like a dog). When she sees other dogs she will look to you and sign and say her version of dog. Next step is seeing a toy dog or a photo which is easier to recognise than an a drawing or graphic.
