Why Teaching Your Child Sign Language is a Game-Changer

As a speech therapist who works with kids and families, I'm often asked whether teaching sign language to young children is beneficial. The answer is a resounding "yes!" Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler, incorporating sign language into their daily routine can have a multitude of positive effects. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using sign language with your child and the positive impact it can have on their language development and overall child development.

Boost Communication Abilities 🚀

One of the most significant advantages of teaching your child sign language is the boost it gives to their communication skills. From as early as six months old, children can start using signs to communicate their needs and thoughts. This can greatly reduce frustration for both you and your child, as they can express themselves even before they develop verbal speech skills. If you're wondering how to help my child talk, sign language is a great starting point.

Improve Social-Emotional Skills 🚀

When children can communicate their needs effectively, they feel understood and valued, which is crucial for their social-emotional development. Sign language can help your child express their feelings, leading to better emotional regulation and social interactions with peers and adults.

Enhance Cognitive Development 🚀

Learning sign language engages multiple areas of the brain, enhancing cognitive development. It encourages children to think critically and solve problems as they learn new signs and apply them in different contexts. This multi-sensory approach to learning can also improve memory and concentration, contributing to overall child development.

Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem 🚀

Imagine how empowering it is for a child to be able to communicate their needs and wants clearly! Using sign language can foster independence and boost your child's self-esteem. Children who can express themselves effectively are often more confident in social settings and more eager to participate in activities, which is a key aspect of language development.

Improve Speech and Language Development 🚀

Using sign language does not delay speech development. In fact, it can enhance it! As children use signs, they also hear the associated words repeatedly, reinforcing their understanding and eventual use of spoken language. Many children who start with signs transition to verbal communication more smoothly and with a richer vocabulary. For parents seeking speech therapy or ways to help their child talk, sign language is a powerful tool that will likely be implemented early on.

Pro tip: Did you know that signs count as words?! When an SLP considers whether your child is meeting speech milestones or if your child needs speech therapy, any sign language that your child is able to use consistently, can count as words! Example: your child can speak "mama" "dada" and can sign "milk" "more" "eat" "drink" "again" - your child has 7 words... not just the two spoken ones!

Strengthen Your Bond and Connection 🚀

Teaching and using sign language with your child creates moments of shared learning and interaction, strengthening your bond. Your child's ability to use sign to communicate with you will help them to feel connected to you and understood by you! This helps to provide a strong foundation for a positive relationship!

Have Fun Learning a New Skill Together 🚀

Learning sign language can be a fun and engaging activity for both you and your child. It’s an opportunity to explore a new way of communicating, play games, sing songs, and even create your own family signs. The process of learning together can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

Getting Started with Sign Language

Begin with simple, everyday signs like "more," "milk," "all done," "mama," and "play." Use these signs consistently during your daily routines, and always say the word aloud as you sign. Remember, repetition is key. There are many resources available, including books, videos, and apps, to help you learn and teach sign language. If you're looking for specific strategies related to speech therapy or ways to help your child learn to talk, incorporating sign language is a great place to begin.

Help Your Child Learn to Talk with Signs!

Incorporating sign language into your child's early development can have far-reaching benefits, from improved communication and cognitive skills to a stronger emotional bond and boosted self-esteem. It’s a wonderful tool to support your child's growth and development while having fun together. So, why not give it a try? Your child—and you—will likely find it to be a rewarding experience.

Happy signing!