I had already heard about a method that is very popular in countries like Canada and that enhances the sign language to communicate with the baby before they can speak, but many parents have doubts about this method or are even unaware of it. I've been researching it. methodology andRegarding the benefits, how it works, and the possible drawbacks in the child's development, I can tell you that there are studies that support and qualify the sign language method. (Baby Signs) It's brilliant, showing that babies who sign begin to speak earlier than those who don't, developing larger vocabularies and higher IQs by age three, and it also enhances communication and the parent-child relationship. For those unfamiliar with the method... Baby SignIf you weren't sure about using it, here's a short description of how it works and what its benefits are.
How does it work?
It is not surprising that Babies learn to communicate through gestures or signs. Both their language comprehension and motor skills develop much faster than their ability to speak. Furthermore, they love to imitate others. For example, most babies learn to wave goodbye and point to something that interests them long before they can say "goodbye" or "look at that!"
The idea of further exploring this natural ability of babies and teaching them a vocabulary of signs is inspired by the work of the child development specialist Joseph Garcia. Having observed how easily babies of deaf-mute parents learned sign language, García She also noticed that these babies seemed to be less trouble than babies who didn't know sign language, since they could better express their thoughts and needs. Why not teach the benefits of sign language to hearing parents and children as well? In the end, it meant Garcia, If a baby learns to communicate their needs through gestures instead of screams, everyone—mom, dad, and baby—will be happier. While teaching your baby sign language isn't a guarantee against tantrums and meltdowns, some babies as young as six months old have already learned to use this form of communication.
Benefits: Promotes speech development.
Some parents think that if their baby learns to communicate through gestures, it could interfere with normal language development. However, according to a recent study, the opposite is true: Learning sign language can actually improve a child's language and vocabulary. The signs, as García explains, sThey serve to enhance, not replace, language. They need to be used alongside speech so your little one can understand the connection between gesture and word. And since communicating requires you to make sure your baby is looking at you attentively, your little one will concentrate on both what you say and what you do. When your baby starts responding to you with signs, two-way communication is established. If, for example, your child tells you they heard a plane fly by, you can say, "Did you hear the plane? Yes, I see it. Look, there it is! How noisy, right?" This way, you'll likely spend even more time talking with your child, which is one of the best ways to encourage speech development.
How to teach him:
- As with any other new skill you teach him, it's It's important to go at your baby's pace.and make it fun. The ideal time to start is when your little one begins to show interest in communicating. This usually happens around 9 or 10 monthsYou will notice that your little one becomes more sociable, starts to babble, and makes sounds and expressions to attract your attention.
- Start by showing him the symbol for something that interests him.Many babies quickly learn the "plus" sign in relation to food.
- When you say the word, also make the sign. Always use the same signRepeat this several times, emphasizing the keyword as you make the sign, so your baby clearly sees and hears the connection between you: "Do you want traditionalWould you like to? traditionalRight? Well, we'll give you a little bit. traditional! "
- After a few days, your baby might start doing the gesture on their own, although it could also take several weeks, so be patient! Make it fun for your baby. They're more likely to learn if they enjoy what they're doing.
- If you'd like to enroll in a baby sign language class, you'll find a list of resources at the end of this article. Many of the companies that offer classes also produce books and DVDs that you might find helpful. Look for information on their websites. website.
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Some signs you can test for.
Different specialists recommend different groups of signs. Garcia's program Sign with your baby ("Sign with Your Baby") is based on American Sign Language, while the SCHEDULE Baby Signs ("Baby Signs") Created by psychologists Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn Use a set of simple signs designed specifically for babies. Any of these systems will work, as will a system you invent yourself. Any gesture that clearly mimics the meaning of the word will work well, such as:
- "food": place your fingertips on your lips
- "It's over": raise your hands to the sides, palms facing upwards
- "fear": pat yourself on the chest
- "hot": extend your arm as if to touch something, and then quickly pull it back.
- "Where is it?": Shrug your shoulders, palms facing upwards
- "rabbit": wrinkles its nose and shows two fingers
- "automobile": turn an imaginary steering wheel
- "book": bring both hands together and open them (palms facing upwards)
More information:
- Sign2Me, on this page website From expert Joseph García, you'll find explanations about his baby sign language program and information about classes in your area. In English.
- Baby Signs This is the official website of the program's creators. Baby Signs Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn. This book contains information about the program, as well as where to find classes in your area. The information is in English, but they have some materials available in Spanish.
- Five little fingers It is a website from Spain that contains suggestions and information in Spanish for using sign language with babies, videos of children using signs, blogsa dictionary of signs and more.
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