Baby Sign Language
I always thought it was annoying to see babies use baby sign language, now I am completely sold on it. Baby sign language is an excellent way to learn language. The key is to always say the word when you are doing the sign.
A neighbor I have, who speaks several languages, told me how she taught her children to speak three langauges. She will say a sentence or phrase in all three languages. She will point to something and say it in Punjabi, English, and Hindi. Her children speak fluent English as a result. I have tried this with successful results. For objects I can’t point to I use baby sign language. My children remember the Russian words better this way. It also helps me remember the words too.
A similar technique is used in Animal Phonics where the children learn hand movements to learn the letter sounds.
I love to use the baby signs for animals. You can make up all sorts of poems and songs using the signs. Devushka prigayet. The girl jumps. Do the sign for girl and jump while saying devushka prigayet.
I think the technique is useful for ESOL students as well.
I am sold on baby sign language. Vsyo!!
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When I first started teaching Sariah sign language a lot of people told me that it will take her longer to start talking since she will prefer to sign. That hasn’t been the case at all. She is 18 months old and can say all the words she signs except milk. She will sign and say them at the same time - book, all done, more, baby, yum yums, ball, daddy etc…
The signing time DVD’s/Video’s are great for teaching you and your children.
Comment left on October 4, 2007 @ 1:33 pm