Baby Sign Language: An Introduction

Baby Sign Language

Baby sign language is increasing in it's popularity. Baby sign language is where you teach your infant, or young child, to use sign language to communicate. This is often taught before the infant is able to verbally communicate.

Anyone who has seen Meet the Fockers probably remembers the scenes with baby sign language. Jack teaches his young grandson to communicate through baby sign language in the movie. There has been some controversy over whether or not baby sign language can be detrimental to the verbal developments in a baby, but the research has actually shown the opposite to be true. Baby sign language can be instrumental in speeding up the process of the baby learning to verbally communicate.

Baby sign language should be and normally is the same as American Sign Language. This way your baby learns proper sign language that will be of benefit to them as they continue to grow and will be able to communicate with those who are hearing impaired.

Many people give credit for the advancement of baby sign language to a few members of the staff at California State University and University of California. They conducted research that showed the many benefits of baby sign language. Joseph Garcia, an interpreter for American Sign Language, found out in his research that starting to show signs to a baby at six to seven months old will generally enable that baby to be able to communicate through baby sign language by the time they are eight to nine months old.

There are several words and phrases that you will be able to teach your infant through baby sign language. A few of them are more, eat, sleep, help, dirty, cold, again, thank you, toothbrush, and many more! Imagine the fun and joy of being able to communicate with your preverbal infant through baby sign language!

There are different ways to teach your baby sign language. Many parents find success through purchasing DVDs to teach their baby sign language. There are also books and flashcards that work quite well. The important thing is diligent repetition so that the baby will learn to associate the sign with what it is that they desire to express. Baby sign language is a fantastic opportunity for your child. Many parents have experienced how amazing it is to be able to communicate with their infant through baby sign language and testify of it's benefits.

Article Source: Tim Rohweder