Before, the use of sign language is meant only for the deaf, the hearing-impaired, and the people who needs to communicate with them.
Nowadays, signing is much more widely-used. Some days ago, at our vacation Bible school, a number of the songs some of the children learns were accompanied by some signing. See baby talk here. It is not just enjoyable for the kids, however the actions facilitate them to know the songs fast. And I can't help but foresee that when in the future, a number of these children have the abilities to communicate with a hearing-impaired person that utilizes sign language, they will have the edge.
Another effective use of sign language that is more widely-accepted is the practice of training signs to babies, starting when they are months old, before they are beginning to communicate in spoken language. And what will be the reasons parents would want to do this to their children?Below are the important reasons:
1. Uncomplicated signs are easy to learn than spoken words.
2. When children and kids have the capacity to converse, their tantrums are minimized.
3. Knowing sign language while communicating to your toddler does not impede the development of spoken language. In fact, it might naturally speed up language development.
Training sign language to children is quickly becoming a flourishing industry.
A lot of companies create DVD's and books that educate on Baby Sign, that tends to be an uncomplicated version of the ASL (American Sign Language) signs. I experienced teaching my toddlers the signs when they were babies. We practiced easy words like eat, milk, thank-you, please, etc. They learned swiftly and was able to use them properly before they were a year old. However, I didn't finish it. They were all early talkers who spoke in complete sentences by 18 and 24 months, and so not needing any more communication tools. I did want to follow up with it more, so that they would have had the edge when it comes to baby signs as they grow older. They know immediately when they are young!
Signing is an excellent tool for toddlers who are behind in language or who have physical disabilities that affect their speech. Giving a kid other means to communicate their needs or wants will minimize or eliminate the frustration and tantrums that comes from the inability to talk. Combining coaching of sign and stimulating speech can actually give a positive outcome on the speech of spoken language as well.
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