Got Baby? Use Sign Language!

Marin Mommies presents a guest post by Melissa Ayotte on the benefits of teaching your babies and toddlers to communicate in American Sign Language.

My name is Melissa Ayotte and 7 years ago, when my daughter was a baby, her three-year-old brother and I taught her to use American Sign Language. Like all signing parents, I had a magical experience! Signing is truly a gift beyond measure. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of Marin County families learn to use sign language with their babies and toddlers. Signing is easy to learn and so much fun to teach your child. I strongly encourage you not miss this incredible opportunity to communicate at this unique stage of life.

Why Sign?

All Babies communicate non-verbally and learn to wave “bye-bye”. Teaching your child to use Sign Language is nothing more than an extension of this natural communication, and signing has profound benefits for both parents and children. 
 
Studies conducted by Dr. Susan Goodwyn and Dr. Linda Acredolo through the National Institute of Health have shown the following benefits of using sign language with infants:

• Much less whining, crying, and feeling frustrated
• Wants and needs clearly communicated
• Nurtures the parent-child bond
• Higher self esteem
• Higher IQ scores (NIH study)
• Earlier verbal skills
• More advanced and complex sentences

Recently I asked some of my clients to share their signing experiences and I was flooded with responses. Here are a few.
 
"I have been using sign language with my daughter Riley since the day she was born. Right when I thought about giving up… she signed! It was absolutely amazing that Riley could finally communicate with us. Now she is learning and signing different words every day. Communication is key in this world no matter what age!" Heather W
 
“We really enjoyed the benefits of signing with our older child, so we knew we wanted to sign again with our new baby. How exciting it was to see him sign "milk" at seven months old! We, including big sister and grandma, are having so much fun signing with Anthony.” Julie C
 
“Sign Language has dramatically improved my son’s communication and greatly reduced his frustration. He loves to sign and I love to see his signs!” Corina K
 
"Our daughter has truly benefited from using sign language. She has been able to communicate many things to us before she is able to use the words. We have soothed her in scary situations by signing "finished" indicating it over, no more. She has far more words than many children her age. I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't had this tool.” Gina S

Baby Sign Language Q & A

Q: How early should I start to sign with my child?
A: If you have a baby, start signing now! This will help you get comfortable integrating signs into your daily routine. Signing will help Baby know that crying is not his only way of communicating, and the sooner you start, the sooner Baby will sign back!
 
Q: My child is speaking a few words—is it too late to sign?
A: It is never too late to reap the benefits of signing. Even if your toddler is speaking a few words, there are no doubt MANY more things to talk about & communicate; signing can make that happen.  ASL stimulates learning through different senses and is often the preferred language of children that are "visual", "spatial" or "tactile learners." Learning a second language raises your child's IQ and enhances the brain the development needed to learn to read.
 
Q. Will signing delay my child's speech?
A:  No.  Many parents fear that signing will delay speech. Experience shows the exact opposite is true. Just as crawling inspires Baby to walk, signing inspires Baby to speak, and often earlier and with higher verbal skills than his non-signing peers.  20 years of studies from the National Institute of Health supports this fact.
 
Q. This seems like it might be hard—how many signs will I need to learn?
A: Signing is very easy to learn. You will start with only about ten to twelve signs. Signing Babies will generally end up using about 20 to 30 signs. Simply use the signs whenever you speak these words. Use songs, toys and books to make the learning fun!

Services Offered

The Playgroup Presentation
This is a 45-minute presentation for parents and caregivers of children newborn to two years old. Learn history, benefits, 20 ASL starter signs, and my teaching strategies that will boost your child’s understanding and lessen the time it will take for him to sign back to you. This class can also be adapted for daycare centers and retail stores.

Fee: $100 for up to 10 adults.
Phone (415) 721-1929 to schedule.
 
In-Home Coaching
A 30-minute private session in your home that covers the same material as the Playgroup Presentation.

Fee: $50 per family includes activity kit.
Phone (415) 721-1929 to schedule.
 
Kindermusik® Village
FREE preview class available
This class meets weekly to sing, dance, play instruments and learn sign language.  You’ll meet other signing Babies and their parents!  Phone (415) 721-1929 or see website for schedule.
 
On the Web
Please visit www.babyshowmeasign.com  for the class schedule, photos, shopping, coupons, and teaching tips. See a video of my friend Cruz (16 months) doing over 50 signs—wow!