Age to Start Signing



Posted: Wednesday, August 12, 2009

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http://www.kimssigningsolutions.com

You may be aware of the many benefits of using American Sign Language signs with your baby in order to help communicate with them before they can speak verbally. As a parent, it will be easy to understand your child's needs and wants and as a child they will be able to express these needs and wants. Both parent and baby will be less frustrated by communicating with signs.

If you have decided you would like to start signing with your baby, but aren't sure when you should begin, I recommend five or six months of age as a great age to start signing to your baby (although you can start earlier) . You have probably noticed that this is the age when they start to become aware of their surroundings and are more interested in everything around them. They are curious to discover their world and do this through observation. They will watch everything you do including movements and gestures. If you start to sign to your baby, they will begin to see the repetition of your movements and begi n to recognize signs . The more familiar it becomes to them, the more likely they will begin to understand it.

Your baby must see these signs continuously before they are able and willing to perform signs themselves. Babies will typically reciprocate and sign back to their parent between the age of eight and twelve months. Keep in mind that this is a general age, and it may be younger or older than that age range. It depends on how your baby will learn and recognize the signs.

While I do suggest the age of 5-6 months to start signing with your baby, it is never too late. I did not start signing with my son until he was five years old and he benefited greatly from this . Signing helped him to better learn and understand sight words. So, when you feel you are ready to start signing with your baby , whether it be when they are 3 months old or 23 months old , just go ahead and get started !

There is a free e-booklet available called "25 Fun and Easy Books to Sign With" that may be helpful. You can access it at this blog: www.babysignlanguageonline.com. There are also other articles and information that may be useful.

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