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.

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. CONSISTENCY2. 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. SIMPLICITY3. 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. MEMORIZATION4. 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. REPETITION5. Your child may modify a sign as they start to get involved in the process. Let it be fun and follow your childs lead. CREATIVITY6. 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. ASSOCIATION7. 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-sign-language-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.