Parents Magazine Article

Parents Magazine recently ran an article about baby sign language, and what a great article it is! I'm so glad that signing with hearing babies is really coming into vogue... there are so many resources now for parents who want to try it with their babies.

I've included a link to the article at the end of this post. Here are a couple of quotes that I especially loved. First, an idea about ASL vs. made-up signs:

Many programs use signs based on American Sign Language, the language taught to the hearing impaired. Others use made-up signs. It doesn't matter which system you use or even if you do the signs exactly as pictured. Modify them according to what works for you (kids will often come up with their own versions anyway!). The only important thing is that you and your child understand what they mean.

I'm so glad the article mentioned this! Anyone who has taught a child baby sign language can tell you that babies frequently modify signs themselves, or create their own signs all together! My own daughter modified the signs I showed her for "bug" and "more", and made up her own sign for "butterfly". Instead of trying to make her conform to another sign, I celebrate her creativity. We have plenty of time for pronunciation issues as she learns more spoken English! The goal of Little Hands Baby Signs is to facilitate communication and ease frustration between caretakers and their children by teaching a bridge language that includes a lot of ASL signs... not to produce children who are fluent in ASL.

The article also talks about the ease of teaching baby signs:

You don't have to put special time aside to teach your child signs. All you have to do is make the gesture whenever you say the word in your day-to-day routines. The key is consistency and persistence on your part: Every time you give your child his bottle, say the word "milk" and do the sign for "milk."

It's just like teaching any other language! So much of what children learn about language is embedded in our everyday interactions. It can be the same for baby signs.

Finally, at the end of this article, there is a list of resources (books, DVDs) that you can use to help you and your child learn together. What a great resource!

Don't forget to sign up for Little Hands' Beginning Signs Workshop at 2pm on Monday, October 19th at Westwood park. The repetition and play-time with other sign-happy babies and parents will be great for you and your child.

Click Here to read the full text of this Parents Magazine article.