2009-06

Speech and language development in the
first three years of life is an impressive
process! As part of this, typically between
eight and 24 months, babies often use a
combination of gestures and sounds in
attempts to communicate.
For example babies may point, shake
their heads for 'no' and wave 'bye-bye' and
introducing some extra gestures can help
support and extend your baby's
developing communication skills.
These baby signs enable babies
to express themselves more
clearly while speech is in the
earliest stages of development.
What are the benefits?
In the early stages…
► your baby’s attention is
drawn to the key word of a
sentence;
► you expand your baby’s
vocabulary and
understanding;
► using gesture naturally
encourages a more measured
and calm interaction;
► signing encourages adults to label
things, giving more language input;
► consequently you stimulate a baby’s
speech and language development.
When your baby start to use signs...
► They enjoy increased confidence from
being understood;
► Signs can eliminate many of the
frustrations of being pre-verbal;
►Successful communication with signs
encourages speech development;
► Better communication enriches your
baby’s relationships.
For the under threes, anything which
encourages understanding, listening and
visual awareness is a good thing! There
are many additional benefits in using signs
with toddlers, especially for those whose
speech is a little unclear. They have so
B S
much to say and are not always
understood!
Some parents ask if signing interferes
in speech development. It actually gives it
a boost! Babies are greatly encouraged in
talking by the introduction of signs.
Gestures are not a replacement for
speech. When using a sign one always
says the accompanying word.
Baby signing programme Sing and Sign
believes communicating with your baby
should be fun. Babies sing songs in
which to learn signs and the programme
aims to teach signing in a relaxed and
enjoyable way.
Sing and Sign is largely compatible
with Signalong, Makaton and
other systems based on British
Sign Language (BSL). However
BSL is a complete language
in its own right and baby
signing only uses the
most simple keywords.
Sing and Sign give the
following guidelines for
successful baby signing:
► Begin with signs for more, finished,
eat/drink/milk starting at 6-9 months;
► Follow your baby's lead and introduce
signs you think they might want to say;
► Always say the word as you sign;
► Speak slowly but in a natural way;
► Keep it simple, use just one sign per
sentence when speaking with your baby;
Signing fuller sentences is fine in songs;
► Happily accept any attempts by your
baby, even approximate imitations;
► But be consistent in how you show a
sign, however your baby adapts it;
► Avoid trying to get your baby to
"perform" signs on demand;
► Be patient and relaxed;
► Praise, praise, praise!
For information about Sing and Sign
visit www.singandsign.com or contact Liz
Harrison on 01246 432784.
St Chads Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats
email: office@stchads.org
Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Page 10 website: www.stchads.org
Tel: (0114) 274 5086