Want in Sign Language

Learn how to sign want and encourage children to express their wants with words and signs (instead of whines!)

1. Place both hands in front of you with your palms facing up and fingers slightly outstretched.
2. Pull the hands back towards you while closing your fingers just slightly.
3. This sign looks like you want something and are pulling it towards you. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.

Teaching Tips:

• Teaching babies sign language helps them express themselves! This is especially helpful in the toddler years when they are a bit more emphatic about what they want! Teach the sign for want whenever you know they want something and encourage them to use the sign to help them express to you what’s on their mind.
• Encourage your child to use the sign for want in a sentence. For instance, “Want milk, please!” Even a very young child can string all three words together!

Transcript:
Want. Just like you grab it and pull it. Want.

Download the Flashcard (click on the image. Print in color or black-and-white and adjust the print size according to your needs.)