Benefits of baby sign language - Kindersignscanadacanada.com


Home		Contact Us


	Free Audio / Video

	Free Newsletter

	Benefits of Signing

	FAQs

	Research

	Other Resources

	Signing Dictionaries

The Benefits of Teaching Sign Language to a Hearing Baby or Child

General Benefits:
»	Enables pre-verbal children to communicate their wants and needs
»	Accelerates communication and results in earlier verbal language
»	Reduces frustration
»	Enhances receptive and expressive vocabulary
»	Makes learning to read easier
»	Enhances creative ability
»	Results in a higher IQ (10-12 points)
»	Promotes a closer child/parent/caregiver bond

Important Note: Keep in mind that the following benefits are not necessarily exclusive to the particular age group. Learning and communicative behaviors establish themselves early and are enhanced as the child gets older and signing continues.

Toddlers 12-17 months:
»	Gives toddlers the opportunity to initiate conversations on topics of interest to them
»	Enables children to express their wants, needs and emotions
»	Reduces frustration
»	Helps children to be more accepting of routines
»	Enables pre-verbal children to produce two-word signing sentences
»	Promotes active learning
»	Adult interaction becomes more positive.
»	The ability to communicate builds higher self-esteem.

Toddlers 18-35 months:
»	Results in a vocabulary that exceeds the general norm
»	Gives children a positive way to interact with one another
»	Allows children 2-4 word signing sentences
»	Continues to bridge the gap between a child's ability to understand language and his ability to articulate it.
»	Builds positive self-esteem since signs are quickly learned and understood.
»	Enhances sibling relationships due to earlier communication ability
»	Enhances fine motor skills and coordination

Pre-School 3-5 years:
»	Faster learning and better word retention
»	Learning a second language becomes easier
»	Establishes the rudimentary beginning of a second language (ASL)
»	Confidence continues to build
»	More positive peer relationships
»	Children enjoy communicating in a physical way. It’s fun!

Benefits for Parents :
»	Enhances sibling relationships
»	Results in fewer temper tantrums
»	Accelerates social development and good manners
»	Promotes active learning
»	Gives parents an insight into their child’s world
»	Enhances the parent-child bond
»	Eliminates some of the guesswork
»	Results in a more peaceful environment (less crying)
»	Encourages childcare workers/teachers to pay closer attention to the children in their care