Baby Signing...

It is believed that signing may improve language and vocabulary. We teach our little ones to wave good bye which is actually signing. It is very nice when a baby can sign instead of resorting to screaming for what they want out of frustration. Screaming seems to be a frustrated means of communication for babies. We know this because some of us resort to screaming ourselves.

Signing is not hard to teach to babies but it does take a certain amount of patience. It actually is an enhancement to baby's developing language skills. It is used alongside the spoken work and when baby is looking at you. So it also takes a certain amount of concentration for baby to look at you and take in what you are saying both at the same time.

Babies love to imitate so signing almost comes naturally to them at about 9 months when they begin to really babble and are trying to get your attention.

One of my favorite books for early signing is "My First Signs" published by Child's Play which is illustrated beautifully by Annie Kubler.

So try this with your little ones and enjoy this wonderful time together.

: ) Lorette