Infants know what they want far before they can express it, they signify this with cries. As early as they are able to make gestures, and focus on your actions, they can be given a new means to communicate. The signs limit their frustrations as well as ours, as parents and care-givers.

It is a frustrating time for little ones if they don't have the language to express themselves. Typically, between the ages of 10 and 24 mos. children will understand much more than they can express. As you can imagine this is frustrating, and the result is cries, temper tantrums, and even biting. Signs are being successfully introduced to babies as young as 8 mos. old, before they are capable of using their oral skills.

Sign language does not hinder children from talking, it decreases frustration and acts as a cue for language. They soon begin to pair the signs and words together, and eventually the signs will fade completely. When parents, child care centers and care givers all get involved in signing with nonverbal infants, it alleviates stress for everyone.

Simple signs are considered to be a bridge to expressive language. This time period may last anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years, depending on the development of your child. There's no way of knowing how early your child will develop their language skills. Signing can make this time easier on everyone. Studies have shown that preschoolers who were signing babies, have higher IQ's and do better on vocabulary tests than those who were not exposed to signs.

Whether you are expecting a baby, or have a non-verbal infant or toddler, I encourage you to implement this program in your home. It will turn a cry-baby into a "sign baby"!

Karla Carta
Signing Smart Instructor

Signing Smart™ programs developed by
Wide-Eyed Learning, LLC www.WideEyedLearning.com

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