Friday, May 6, 2011

Baby's Language Skills

By Clemente Heinl


In the past, utilizing sign language is the method for the hearing-impaired, the deaf, and the people involved in communicating with them.

Nowadays, signing is much more widely-used. Some days ago, at our vacation Bible school, a number of the songs some of the children learns were accompanied by some signing. It is not just enjoyable for the kids, however the actions facilitate them to know the songs fast. In the future, several of these kids will be able to communicate with a hearing-impaired or deaf person that uses sign language, and if that time will come, they will surely have the advantage.

Another effective use of sign language that is more widely-accepted is the practice of training signs to babies, starting when they are months old, before they are beginning to communicate in spoken language. And why will parents of normally growing kids select this?And here are the possible reasons:

1. Uncomplicated signs are easy to learn than spoken words.

2. If toddlers and kids are able to communicate effectively, their frustrations are decreased.

3. Knowing sign language while communicating to your toddler does not impede the development of spoken language. In fact, it will definitely hasten language advancement.

Educating sign language to kids is turning into a thriving business.

A number of companies sells books and DVD's that teach Baby signs, which is an undemanding version of the ASL ( American Sign Language) signs. I trained my kids baby signs when they were still toddlers. We practiced easy words like eat, milk, thank-you, please, etc. They were able to learn quickly and was able to use them correctly before they were a year old. I wasn't able to continue with it though. They were all early communicators who talked in complete sentences between 18 and 24 months, so they didn't require the additional sign devices. I did wish to complete it, though, so that they would have the competitive advantage over others in sign language as they grow older. They learn more quickly when they are young!

Signing is a very efficient method for children who are delayed in language or who have physical disabilities that affect their talking. Providing a child another way to communicate will greatly lessen the frustration and tantrums that result from the inability to talk. Combining coaching of sign and stimulating speech can actually give a positive outcome on the speech of spoken language as well.




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