Teaching Baby Sign Language Before Speech

Your Ten Month Old Baby can “Talk” To You

Your baby doesn’t have to go through frustration and tantrums because he is too young to speak. You can teach him a few simple signs in Sign Language. This has an added benefit of increasing the bonding between parent and child, too. A baby who signs can communicate months earlier than she can speak.

Imagine your ten-month-old is thirsty and wants milk, not juice and not water. She begins to fuss. You begin the ritual of checking for a fever; checking the diaper; emptying the Baby Bag item by item, asking in rising frustration, “Is it your bear? Do you want a cookie? Do you want your pacifier??” You even offer your child a bottle of juice – but the baby wails in disappointment and frustration when she realizes the bottle is filled with a beverage she does NOT want. Now both of you, and everyone within earshot, are completely rattled; the baby is in tears, and you’re on your way as well.

All the child would have to know, and have to do, is make a Sign to you that you both know, and there would be instant communication. Even a pre-verbal child will be able to accomplish this! Your baby can make the sign for “milk” to you. You could get the child the milk right away. There would be no tears and everybody would be happy. Doesn’t that sound great? It may sound like a big task, but if you just go sign by sign, it’s quite easy. There are videos just for this, and plenty of books about Sign for you to share with your child as well. With a little research you will probably find some mom-dad-baby signing classes near you!

In classes and other learning materials, the signs that you would see first are those for everyday things. Early candidates might be signs for Daddy, Mommy, milk, play, eat, dog and baby. Why would you find these signs first? A baby would be more motivated to remember the signs for something she needs, loves or wants. Other signs can be brought in later. These signs would be the ones to use for an outing, such as a grocery-store run or a special trip to the zoo or beach.

You can incorporate the learning of Sign into your day very spontaneously and naturally. It can give your child a lifetime of benefits. Children who Sign have been shown to excel emotionally, socially and scholastically. See what’s available for you and your child! It’s fun for everybody, and very beneficial too.

About the Author

Rosemary Kurtz, M.A. is a professional in the field of deaf education. She taught her two hearing children Sign Language from their infancy. She has worked and interpreted for the deaf in such varied venues as house of worship, classroom and courtroom. Click here for the top-rated Sign Language videos, books and other educational tools available today. Taught by an experienced instructor, performer and mom of a deaf child.

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