Why teach your baby sign language?
- Helps babies communicate before talking
- Reduces frustration and tantrums
- Increases bonding and connection
- Early communication can help keep them safe
- Opens a window to your child’s heart and mind
- Teaches a second language (American Sign Language)
Learn about more of the benefits of signing with your baby from the Advantages of Teaching your Baby Sign Language Infographic.
Why learn with Baby Signing Time?
Its an Award winning baby sign language series that teaches your baby’s first 100 words through music.
As Seen On
“This is a great product and very educational. I started the videos when my daughter was 6 mo. old. About a month later she signed her 1st word -milk. Her whole face lit up when she realized I knew what she wanted. She is now 18 mo. I’m having to upgrade to series 1 because she has learned all the signs to Baby Signing Time. She walks around saying and signing “baby time” so we can play her videos. Definitely a great buy and great developmental tool!!“
“I went to pick up a piece of trash that fell out of my car and bumped the door shut and locked my 18-month-old inside. It was 94 degrees out. I tried to pry the window open and keep him happy while we waited for the police to arrive. I want to thank you because he was able to sign to me and I knew he was still coherent. I don’t think the thought of him sweatily signing for water will ever NOT make me sob, but I’m so thankful that we had a way to communicate. Thank you so, so much!” ~Becky
Research
There are many benefits of using signs with students – from as young as preverbal infants, to those in early elementary, all the way to adult students who struggle with reading or those who are learning a new language.
White Paper: Signing with Babies and Children
A comprehensive summary of the academic research on the impact of signing on cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional development
Written by Dr. Claire Vallotton, Michigan State University
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When can I start signing with my baby?
You can start signing as soon as your baby is born.
- Before your baby signs to you, she will let you know that she understands a sign by responding with a smile, pointing or kicking her feet.
- While most babies begin to sign between 9-13 months, some babies start signing as early as 5-6 months! It is never too early to start.
- If your baby is 6-12 months old, start signing right away!
Get started now! Buy the Baby Sign Language System OnDemand at MySigningTime.com.
“Love our digital subscription! It is so handy to have access to all the Signing Time library. We famjam to the songs daily! Thank you, Rachel!!”
How do I sign milk?
Milk in American Sign Language is signed by bringing one hand up in a fist, with the wrist facing in (so if you use your right hand the wrist will face to the left, and vice versa for the left hand). Open and close the fist a few times. This sign looks like you are milking a cow’s udder. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.
How do I sign eat?
Eat in American Sign Language is signed by pinching the tips of all fingers together and bring up to your mouth. Tap fingertips on your lips a few times. This sign looks just like you are popping some yummy food into your mouth. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.
How do I sign Dad?
Dad in American Sign Language is signed by bring one hand up to your forehead, palm flat, fingers loosely apart. Touch your thumb to your forehead. Take a look at the sign for Mom and note how these are quite close. In general, masculine signs are done at the forehead and feminine signs closer to the mouth or side of the face.
Visit our Sign Language Dictionary for more signs.
Baby Sign Language Promotes Reading
In March 2008, Signing Time learned about Elizabeth Barrett, a 17-month old infant that can read. In an interview done by KCBD News Channel 11 in Lubbock, Texas Katy Barrett, Elizabeth’s mother, said that she reads more words than they can count. Katy is convinced that sign language contributed to her daughter’s reading skills with help from watching “Signing Time” on public television.
Visit KCBD’s website to read the full story.
How can baby sign language help you and your children?
- Would you like to communicate with your child before they can talk?
- Do you want to increase your child’s reading and language abilities?
- Would you like less tantrums?
Scientific studies show that “typical” children who learn to sign:
- have higher IQ scores
- are better adjusted
- read at an earlier age
Many parents say that communicating earlier through baby sign language makes the “terrible twos” not so terrible.
- Children can use a sign instead of throwing a tantrum to express their needs.
- Our Baby Sign Language Complete Set is baby ASL at its finest.
- Learning is reinforced with the written word, adult modeled ASL sign, peer modeled ASL sign, and music
You will see your baby sign along as well as communicate their needs independently.
Today Show coverage of Elizabeth Barrett
Elizabeth Barrett is featured as a peer model in Baby Signing Time Volume 3 & 4.
Where can I take baby sign language classes near me?
The Signing Time Academy is the educational division of Two Little Hands Productions. Our mission is to bring the benefits of ASL and active learning to children of all abilities through Certified Instructors who offer classes, products, and personal support to parents and teachers in their communities. Our Instructors offer parent workshops, baby sign language classes, story times, teacher training, and free presentations.
A Message from Rachel
Signing is an essential parenting tool, but I’ve heard parents say, “I would love to learn to sign, but I just don’t have the time!”
I am a busy mom, too! I quickly and effectively teach you signs in a way that will help you to remember the signs, effortlessly.
Your children will want to sign, because it’s something you get to do together. Signing forces you to put down your phone, turn away from the screen and look into your child’s eyes.
Signing with your children fosters real communication in a day and age when that seems to be disappearing. Start your signing adventures today!
“My son is now 2 but was getting so frustrated trying to tell us what he wanted and would act out a lot. Now he is always happy because he can sign!“~April
“My twins needed to learn sign language when they were diagnosed with autism….I love love love these videos..I can not recommend them highly enough!!!” ~Shaunna