One of the most wonderful gifts we get here at Two Little Hands is hearing how sign language has made a difference in families lives. We received this story from a family in Indiana and we had to share it with you. Thank you, Bob, for taking the time to share your story with us.
Sign Language at 3, to Law School, to Signing with Grandchildren
I wanted to tell you about what happened almost 40 years ago. My wife and I decided to take a signing class at our church.
One evening we were eating supper and our first daughter (less than 1-year-old) was sitting in her highchair at the table. We were looking at the food on the table and were signing each item to each other to practice. We noticed that our daughter was rubbing her hands together similar to what we were doing for cheese.
My wife asked her verbally, “Do you want some cheese?” She nodded enthusiastically and we gave her some. We then began teaching her other signs and she picked them up quickly. She could tell us she was thirsty, tired, or wanted a peanut butter sandwich, etc. Of course, she would sign to her friends who had no idea what she was doing. She didn’t start talking until she was 3 because, I guess, she didn’t need to.
An IQ test in first grade suggested she should be moved 4 grades up. We objected and homeschooled her.
She got a full-ride scholarship to law school, and I believe part of all this was due to her learning to sign so very young. She is a lawyer now with her own firm.
Here is a picture of our first daughter (on the right) teaching our second daughter how to sign.
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