Top 5 Benefits Of Sign Language For Hearing Children

By: Leslie Lang, President, Little Hands Talking

With so much attention given in the last few years to the practice of signing with pre-verbal babies, if parents haven't yet made the decision to start signing with their baby they are likely thinking about it. There are so many benefits to signing with a hearing baby that it really just makes sense.

Babies who sign typically,

1. speak earlier than non-signing babies.
2. have larger spoken vocabularies than non-signing babies.
3. experience less frustration.
4. possess greater self-esteem.
5. experience a closer bond with parents and siblings.

1. Signing babies typically speak earlier than non-signing babies.
The number one question of parents is, "If we sign with our baby will speech be delayed"? Absolutely not. Provided parents follow the important principles of successful signing and always couple the sign with the spoken word in context, speech will not only continue to develop but may actually develop earlier.

2. Signing babies typically have larger spoken vocabularies than non-signing babies.
By the age of 2 years, a signing baby will likely have 50 more spoken words when compared to a non-signing baby. By age 3 years, a signing baby will be able to speak and understand at a 4 year old level. Reason enough to sign with your baby!

3. Signing babies experience less frustration.
With simple, helpful and relevant signs, babies will be able to easily and effectively communicate what they want, what they like, and what they need. One of the main reasons young children experience frustration, which can lead to a "temper tantrum", is not being able to clearly communicate these simple concepts. This means a more peaceful environment for parents.

4. Signing babies possess greater self-esteem.
If you think of yourself, as an adult, there is nothing more satisfying or rewarding than to tell someone what you want or need from them and to get it. Signing parents will be fostering this exact exchange with their baby. By giving their baby a level of control of his/her surroundings, self-esteem will soar.

5. Signing babies experience a closer bond with parents and siblings.
When a baby can easily communicate what she wants she becomes an active member of the family. With simple signs babies will be able to communicate what they want to eat, what books they want to read, what games they want to play, etc. Instead of guessing, parents will be interacting with their baby and opening a window into the world of their child.

As parents, we eagerly teach our babies to sign without even realizing it. We can't wait for them to wave 'bye-bye', blow kisses or clap their hands and we actively teach them how to do these gestures. Parents should also remember that babies will create signs and gestures on their own like reaching their arms up in the air to be picked up. Instead of waiting for this to happen, why not actively participate in this process?

Little Hands Talking offers sign language programs for hearing children from 6 months of age - 12 years. Our programs are designed for optimal success and are delivered with passion. From learn-to-sign workshops to sign and sing classes we have it all! Our signing programs are fun, interactive, unique and effective. For more information, contact Leslie Lang, President, Little Hands Talking. Phone: 905-876-1947. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Visit online at: www.littlehandstalking.ca