Teaching your child basic words in sign language can lead to numerous benefits. The most evident advantage is that sign language equips them with a new way to convey a need, decreasing frustration and tears. Beyond the initial improvements in communication, learning sign language could also encourage your child to use verbal language structured sentences sooner.
To help you get started, here are ten words to teach your child in sign language and a few tips for success.
10 Words to Teach Your Child in Sign Language
Each of these words is linked to a video that shows how to do the sign. You can also take a look at this collection of baby sign language videos.
- More: Lay your hands flat and then bring your thumbs to touch your fingers, making the shape of an O. You will then touch the tips of your fingers together repeatedly. As your child tries to mimic this action, they may touch their fists together or clap their hands.
- Please: Flatten your hand and place it in the center of your chest. Rub your chest in a circular motion—that will start toward your left side—a few times.
- Thank You: Flatten your dominant hand to touch near your lips/chin and then bring your hand down in the direction of the person you are thanking.
- Hungry: Curve your hand into a C shape and then place it near your throat. Move that hand down your chest. You can picture this like food going down to your stomach.
- Thirsty: Touch your index finger to your chin and move it down toward your belly. This action is similar to hungry; however, you will use your finger instead of your C-shaped hand.
- Mommy and Daddy: Mommy—Place your thumb against your chin with an open hand with fingers spread. Daddy—Same gesture but with the thumb of your open hand against your forehead.
- All Done (Finished): Bring your hands up with your palms facing your body and then turn your hands out to face away from you.
- Bed: This sign is one that we do often without knowing. Place your palms together and move them to the side of your head with your head tilted, resting your head on your hands as though they were a pillow.
- Angry: Shape your hands like bear claws while touching your stomach and then move your hands up and out forcefully.
- Love: Make your hands into fists and cross them across your chest.
Step-by-Step: How to Teach Your Child Sign Language
Step 1: Say the word while doing the sign yourself, so that your child can see the action. Repeat this several times while you have their attention.
Step 2: If your child does the sign on their own, reward them with a toy or a bite of food (if you’re practicing at mealtime). However, if they don’t perform the sign within a few seconds, move their hands to help them go through the motion.
Step 3: When they do complete the sign, reward them, but also do the sign yourself to continue reinforcing the action. They will notice that their signs are helping them communicate with you. For example, when they say “more” and receive more, or when they see your emotional or verbal response to their words.
Step 4: Repeat these sessions in five-minute internals a few times a day. There are endless words to learn together, and, if you continue, you could both be sign language experts in a few years!
Tips for Teaching Your Baby Sign Language
- Start early. Your child can begin learning sign language as early as you’re ready to begin teaching. Even if they are too young to do the signs themselves, you can reinforce the idea by saying the words and doing the signs yourself.
- Make it fun! Your child will be more receptive to learning if you make it feel like play. Use sing-song voices (or simply sing), give them positive reinforcement, and show them that this is an exciting activity.
- Include the whole family. Learning sign language as a family will help your child to communicate with everyone, not just the person who is teaching them. It can also be a fun family bonding activity!
To learn how The Gardner School facilitates sign language into its academically-focused learning environment, contact us today. Our team would be thrilled to share more or help you schedule a tour at the The Gardner School nearest you to see learning in action.