Benefits of signing with hearing babies
Every parent's wish is to give their baby the best possible start in life and the use of sign language in the early stages of speech and cognitive development has only demonstrated positive results from the studies carried out.
Any concerns that the use of signing with hearing babies might delay speech development have been proven unfounded by Acredolo and Goodwyn's research. This study spanned 30 years and tested childrenís language development / vocabulary and IQ (IQ was tested at the age of 8). At every stage the signing babies and children scored higher than their non signing peers. For more details regarding this research please follow this link www.mybabycantalk.com Most parents do not begin signing with their baby with the intention of increasing their IQ however.
Fundamental Benefits
EXPRESSION
Your baby can learn to express a need or desire long before they can speak.
REDUCED FRUSTRATION
You can understand the thought processes of your baby and can fulfil the need or desire promptly, thus reducing the crying, tantrums and frustration for both of you.
SELF CONFIDENCE
Your baby increases in self confidence.
BONDING
You form a close communication bond extremely early with your baby which is a delight for both of you.
MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby is encouraged to use their arms and hands to perform signs, thus honing gross and fine motor skills which might not be utilised so fully at only 6–10 months in a non signing baby.
COGNITIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Your baby is learning to watch closely and imitate gestures, thus developing cognitive skills as well.
Toddler Benefits
LEARNING ASSISTANCE
It will help you understand your baby while they struggle with pronouncing certain difficult words.
SECOND LANGUAGE
You are teaching your child a second language which is stimulating cognitive development and offering more opportunities for communication.
REDUCED EMBARRASSMENT
You can offer direction to your child in public settings without raising your voice or causing them any embarrassment.
REDUCE COMMUNICATION BARRIERS
Many toddlers will happily sign 'please' and 'thank you' to shop assistants etc but are too shy to speak to people they don't know well.
