I love sign language. When I was in college, I was thrilled to be able to take a sign language course. I have always loved watching people sign, and wish that I could do the same. I knew that I wanted to teach my daughter sign language when she was a baby, and she quickly picked up a couple of words. Once she started talking, we didn’t stick to it as much. But I am always showing her the alphabet and hoping to continue our sign language journey together. So I was really excited when I had the opportunity to check out today’s book about sign language for kids from Familius!
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The tabs along the edge of the book show which signs are being taught on that page. These tabs can be pulled out to reveal an extra section of the page, showing how to sign the word. Each page shows the words being signed in a large and colorful font, reminding the reader to sign along. As the reader moves from page to page, the same signs you already learned are seamlessly added to the conversation, offering the opportunity to build sentences.
Why we love this book!
I really loved this book because the illustrations are bright and colorful, and the tabbed format made it so much fun to read. The pages are strong and durable, which is great because my daughter loves pulling the tabs out to reveal the secret instructions inside each page. I was also happy that the descriptions and the illustrations on the instructions are really easy to understand, making it easy for parents to perform the signs right away and teach them to their children. The ending to the story is absolutely adorable and will resonate with parents and kids alike!
Benefits to Teaching Sign Language to Kids
There are so many benefits to signing with kids – for both the child and the parents! Since babies are unable to form words to explain what they are thinking and feeling, it can be extremely frustrating for both parties to figure out what the other is trying to say. By using sign language, the communication is now a two way street, even before the child can form words.
Practicing letters in the alphabet
My daughter’s ability to tell me that she was hungry without crying or fussing was incredibly helpful. Instead of crying or getting upset because she wanted more food, she was able to sign it to me. This definitely helped to stop some tantrums before they even started. Signing with your child can also have emotional benefits, since you are forming a stronger bond with your child by communicating with them.
How to Get Started Signing with Babies
Babies can start making signs as early as 6-8 months old! To start signing with your baby, choose a word or two that has a concrete concept they can understand. We started with “more” and my daughter picked it up really quickly.
Start using the sign whenever you use the associated word with your child. Make it clear and obvious when you do it. Whenever I would offer my daughter more food at the table, I would say “More” and make the sign to her. As she started to understand that the sign meant she would get more food, she started making it on her own without prompting. “Eat” is another one that is great to start with because the sign resembles the act of eating. Use the sign while you are preparing food and asking your child if they want to eat. Soon, they will be able to use it to tell you when they are hungry.
Practicing Sign Language for Kids as a Family
If your kids are already older, you can still learn and practice sign language together! There are lots of fun ways to integrate signing into your daily life. First, I would recommend learning the alphabet together. I like to sign while I sing the alphabet song with my daughter. This helps her to see the signs, and I can practice them as well. There are lots of resources available online to teach you the alphabet. This one features a young girl who walks you through the letters and even signs the alphabet song.
Word of the Week – Choose a word that you will learn together as a family. Focus on that word for a week. Find ways to include it in your conversations around the house and use the sign as often as possible. The more you use the sign, the more ingrained it will become.
Spelling Words – Have kids practice their spelling words while fingerspelling. While you are practicing spelling words, sign the letters as you say them. This will not only help to practice signing, but can also give kids another method to help them memorize their spelling words.
Charades – Fill a bowl with suggestions for everyone to act out. Use signs that you know and fingerspelling to help you give clues to your audience. As you learn more sign language as a family, you will be able to use less actions and more sign language to give your hints.
Does your family use sign language? Did you use it when your kids were younger? Share your sign language experience in the comments below!
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