Sign Language and LO

hriesen4

 Is anyone trying or going to try to use sign language w/ their LO? I just started researching on the internet.  If you have websites bookmarked, I'd really like the addresses.  Any other advice is appreciated, too!

TIA

cala09

I picked up a couple of books recently and actually glanced through them this afternoon.  They recommend starting sign language around 6 months or a little before then since our LO's won't be able to respond 'til possible even a couple of months after that.  I'm planning on studying the books while I'm still on maternity leave so that at least I know the signs easily enough to gradually introduce them when my LO gets to around 5 or 6 months.

hriesen4

That's what I'm seeing, too.  I was going to start to try to learn the basics now.  Did you get ASL books or something more "baby?"

Suparstarz714

I am doing sign language with my LO and did it with the twins I nannyed for...

I am working on "milk" right now... I think that is the easiest one to learn. 

My advice, do one sign at a time, once they learn that one you should introduce another one.  It is also great if you can teach other people the signs you are working on so they can use them with your LO. 

Some awesome benefits of sign language are the kids learn to comunicate faster (which makes it a little easier for you LOL), and although you may know what your baby is saying, other adults may not, so sign language really helps with that too.  Also (I think) kids that sign talk sooner than non-signing babies...

Also... I learned signs as I worked with the twins and I thought it helped to have little flash cards I (still) will go through and practice the signs.  I thought this was more effective than any DVD or book I read...

desilynn@csufresno.edu

I got a book from Barnes & Noble called "Baby Talk"... I Like it

thetwistedwillow

I did signs with my first two daughters and definitely plan to do them with this baby as well. We did very simple and basic signs like "milk", "more", "all done", "thank you", etc., etc. And my kids really used the signs. Even now they'll sometimes automatically do the signs.

It really does work and I think it makes for a lot happier babies and toddlers (especially toddlers who are so independent and want to communicate their needs but don't have the words just yet)!

No sites or books to recommend though. I did the signs I knew and it helped that others moms I knew did them with their children. Just sign whenever you say the word. If you're making a bottle or it is time to nurse say aloud, "Time for milk" as you do the sign for milk. 

SusieQ1982

We plan on trying it but I haven't started reading my books yet.

acg92207

They offer a class at a local hospital that we plan to take DS to when he reaches the 6 mo. age.  It is highly recommended and is proven to benefit speech development.

GeneGoddess

I am, but that is because I can sign a little anyway (ASL).  One of my neighbors was Deaf when I was a kid.  It's actually a very convenient skill to have (my family could communicate silently across a room).

I picked up a book or two at the library.  Most of the "baby signs" books are fairly basic and easy to learn.

purlgurl

We taught our DD some signs when she was around a year old. She was a late talker and it helped to have a way to communicate with her. It really doesn't matter what signs you use unless you actually want them to learn to sign. I made up signs and adapted some to make them easier for a small child.?

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madalynnsmommy09

I would like too. I am going to take a community ed class I think.