How Baby Sign Language Encourages Talking

In the above pic, Toddler P. is actually using the sign for please because she was asking for her grapes!

    Parents using baby sign language is a recent phenomenon, and since it started there has been a lot of research into the many benefits of teaching it to your baby. We started doing sign language with Toddler Picturesque at a fairly young age, at about 3 or 4 months. Although I didn't steadily use it with her till she had said her first words, as then I knew she was ready to start learning. For us, and I know many others, baby sign language has been a great way to communicate when communication skills are limited. This has helped curve so many outbursts now from a toddler who just doesn't know how to communicate what she needs.
    But don't take my word for it, here's the research about the language, attitude and psychological benefits sign language could have for your child:

• Help with language. Baby sign language is supposed to help be a type of bridge to communication. It helps children boost their language skills and also could help them in their verbal and written skills later on!
• Improved confidence and self-esteem. There are evidently many psychological benefits to learning baby sign language... including confidence and a higher self-esteem. It is thought to be the case because toddler's have an a way to communicate when their language skills aren't able to yet, "Feelings of anger due to an inability to communicate may not occur as often." Another added benefits could be "Having the ability to sign could be a lifesaver when a child is too distraught to speak clearly" (Taken from Psychcentral.com).
• Often encourages children to speak earlier. According to much research that has been conducted, baby sign language can actually encourage children to speak earlier. 

So how can you attempt to teach baby sign language to your child? It's fairly simple actually and usually just takes repetition. Here are some easy to follow steps:

• Start with 1 to 3 signs, making eye contact and saying the word out loud.
• Repeat the signs consistently and every time you are using that object or referencing something.
• Once your child has begun to successfully mimic those signs, add more in. 

    It's also important to note that the reason why, I believe, that this has been such a success for us and why Toddler P's language skills are doing so well is because Mr. P and I talk to her constantly. We have been talking to her and letting her attempt to talk back since she was a newborn. How else can a child learn language skills unless you communicate with them like a human being? 

    Here are some basic signs to start with:

    Here is some further research I found on this topic, if you are interested (click here).

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