One of the issues that comes up a few times on these different web sites is native Sign Language verses Natural Gesture and home signs. Below are some points both for and against then it is up to you to make your own decision on which way to go.

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

• Auslan (Australian native sign language) uses signs that have been developed in the deaf community over many years. Some signs are regional (in some instances differing say from NSW to Victoria). Many are easy to recognise for what they mean because they are natural gesture or self descriptive.
• There are some signs that don't have visual clues and I suppose its because like any language there will always be words that you look at and think why is it said (or signed) that way. No reason - okay- lets move on.
• Auslan is currently taught in quite a few different early childhood services so it is readily available. It can be confirmed in a book and is consistent with everyone doing the same.
• An advantage of using Auslan signs is that everyone understands the signs being produced unlike where home signs can vary depending on what was made up at the time and from home to home.
• With everyone doing Auslan there is less confusion and staff or friends are not having to learn different versions for each child.
• Auslan signs 1st) to learn to talk then 2nd) to add gestures and beauty to songs & nursery rhymes then 3rd) to help with the alphabet and reading skills.

Natural Gesture or Home Sign

• Natural gesture or home sign - can mean no having to learn signs before you can use them.
• Natural gesture or home sign - can spontaneously be made up on the spot.
• With natural gesture there is no need to carry a book around to check you are doing the correct thing before showing your baby.
• Once your baby starts to sign it will be short term as you will find that once baby feels comfortable with the word they no longer or very rarely use the sign version.
• Using home sign you will need to keep a detailed log so that those involved with the child are able to refer back to it for support and learning.
• There are going to be times when you can' t think of a natural gesture to teach a child in reference to something that they are showing an interest in. This is when things could get complicated.
• If your child goes into long day care/creche due to work commitment on your part there could be confusion over who is doing what in response to different situations. Could cause problems at the service.