SALT LAKE CITY, UT – November 18, 2010 – When the concept of using sign language with hearing babies was first introduced to the American public, critics dismissed it as a “parlor trick.” Since that time, infant signing has become an accepted parenting practice and has been integrated into early childhood education programs. In the recently-released second edition of “Heading Home with your Newborn: From Birth to Reality,” published by the American Academy of Pediatrics*, authors Laura Jana, MD, FAAP and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP comment on this phenomenon:

“Infant sign language really does deliver on its promise of improved communication…It’s easy to see why so many parents swear by it, and why childcare centers include it in their infant and toddler classrooms, and why it has become so commonplace as an activity of daily learning.” pp. 173-174

The popularity of baby sign language is no surprise. Parents who sign with their babies before they learn to talk see the immediate benefit: reduced frustration. Signing helps them know what their babies want, allowing them to respond to their needs quickly. It cuts down on the guesswork that is common to parenting a preverbal infant.

“Their hands give them a clear and powerful ‘voice’ – quite a contrast to the whining and pointing traditionally associated with toddlerhood,” said Rachel Coleman, co-creator and host of the popular series Baby Signing Time. “The truth is, that using ASL signs with hearing babies is revolutionizing early learning and parenting in America.” Continue Reading »

What a great question! Many times we are asked here at Signing Time if learning sign language really can help kids and/or babies communicate better, read better or have higher IQs. I’m going to speak from my own experience and link to a few resources that might help you decide how you feel about these great questions.

I’m a father of 4 and have taught sign language, using Signing Time, to my two youngest daughters since they were a few months old. Ok… so let’s be real, my wife has done most of the teaching while I’m here working to help make Signing Time a great community and product. She deserves the credit.

I’ve noticed that my two youngest daughters seem to be able to talk easier, and communicate better with us as parents when compared to my older daughters who did not learn sign language or baby signs. I’d say that with my younger ones there have been less tantrums and meltdowns as well. Is it due to learning sign language with us from Signing Time? Or maybe we’re becoming better parents because we’ve had more practice

Dave Munger over at Cognitive Daily has posted a nice blog on the topic. It’s definitely more scientific in the results and conclusions then my brief examples above, so I highly recommend taking a few short minutes to read his report: Can sign language really help babies get along better?

The study was conducted by a team of people lead by Rachel Thompson with very interesting results that support sign language helping babies. Below are a  few interesting tidbits from the study:

…parents and children universally seem to appreciate the ability to communicate at an earlier age than would otherwise be possible. This study demonstrates that a rigorous laboratory procedure can yield these benefits in the real world.

…so signing may actually make life easier for these children and their parents.

There was a similar post in 2005 on the Cognitive Daily blog discussing if sign language helped to learn a spoken language.

Now that you’ve heard my voice… Let’s hear yours! I’ve created a little poll to get your thoughts. Take a brief moment and let us know what you think by filling out the poll, posting a comment or both.

I ran across this very cute interactive website that not only talks about the benefits of using sign language with young children, but actually provides an interactive sign language dictionary. According to the website, the Babystrology Baby Sign Language Video Dictionary is a fun and free way to learn some basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs that can help you teach your baby. It is also fun to use as a practice tool.

Many people have sent us questions regarding the benefits of teaching their babies sign language.

When I first started working at Two Little Hands Productions, I remember being amazed when I heard the story of baby Alex who signed ‘milk’ when he was ready to nurse. I remember being very impressed when my best friend’s little girl signed ‘more’ and her mom was able to give her more to drink. I never really thought about how knowing a little sign language could go a long way.

After watching some of my colleagues and friends sign with their babies, I realized that this exchange was more than just babies letting their parents know when they were hungry, or wanted more, both parties were actually communicating.

Several parents and families have had very similar experiences, and with that comes some questions about the benefits of signing with babies. Some of these questions include:

• How early can I start to sign with my child?
• My child is already talking. Why should they learn ASL?
• Will learning signs delay my child’s speech?
• Do I have to become fluent in ASL?
• What is the importance of using ASL and not made up signs?
• My child does not do the signs correctly. Is that okay?
• How soon will my child start to sign?
• My child can hear. Why should they learn ASL?
• I have heard that signing helps with tantrums and “The Terrible Two’s”, is this true?
• What research exists about the benefits of using sign language with hearing children?

If you refer to our website, under the article Benefits of Signing With Children, you will find information that will answer these questions.

It has been truly amazing to associate with parents, families, children and infants who are teaching me how  sign language is truly an effective way communicate.