Baby Sign Language – Communication Before Speech

Baby Sign Language – Communication Before Speech

Prior to mastering the art of speech, your baby has great difficulty in communicating his needs to you. This can cause frustration for you both – yet there is a solution. Baby sign language is rapidly becoming popular as a means of recognizing – and responding to – a young baby’s needs.

Babies can be taught sign language from any age, but they begin to take notice of the signs from around six months and may begin using them from as early as seven to eight months of age. As many parents will testify, babies understand an awful lot more than they can communicate through speech at this stage.

Some parents fear that using baby sign language may hamper their child’s speech development later on. Research, however, shows that children taught baby sign-in infancy go on to develop superb language skills. In some cases, they may learn to speak earlier and often have an increased ability to learn a second language.

There are other benefits to introducing baby sign language – studies indicate that children who sign often develop a higher than average IQ. The major advantage for parents, of course, is to be able to identify their babies’ needs and respond appropriately – easing the frustrations that can lead to tantrums. Once this channel of communication is open, many parents feel that a deeper bond with their child is formed, creating a great sense of harmony.

There are various methods by which you can learn to sign with your child – no prior knowledge is needed, so learning along with your baby is part of the fun! It is important to remember to say the word when introducing any signs to your baby and to use the signs consistently – both in the home and outside it. Also, try to familiarize anyone who cares for your child with the signs they are using.

Some people like to invent their own signs to use with their babies, whereas others prefer to use conventional signs based on formal sign language – the advantage of using these is that they are recognized by a wide group of people. There are many books, DVDs and flashcards available, based on formal signing that make learning this new skill both simple and enjoyable.

Taking into account the benefits that this simple communication can bring, it is no wonder that more and more parents are using baby sign language – and achieving a fascinating insight into their babies’ minds!

 

©ChildCareOwner – All Rights Reserved

A Child’s Love of Learning Begins with Reading

A Child’s Love of Learning Begins with Reading

Reading aloud may be the single most important activity parents do with their child.

That is because a child who is read to is more likely to enjoy reading and will want to learn to read. Once a child becomes passionate about reading, he or she will have the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of learning.

According to Dr. Andrea Pastorok, education psychologist for Kumon Math and Reading Centers, reading aloud stimulates the brain and serves as the foundation for literacy development.

Studies show that the more a person reads, the better he or she becomes at it and students who read the most are more likely to stay in school and experience academic achievement.

Dr. Pastorok recommends these tips to make reading aloud fun and interesting for your children:

  1. Begin reading aloud to your child as soon as possible. Reading to infants helps them develop a sense for the rhythm and pattern of language.
  2. Remember, the art of listening is acquired. It must be taught and cultivated gradually. Read slowly enough for your child to build mental pictures of what he or she has just heard.
  3. Reading aloud helps children develop their imaginations and creativity. Looking at illustrations also encourages an appreciation of art.
  4. If chapters are too long for one reading session, find a suspenseful stopping point.
  5. Use plenty of expressions when reading. If possible, change the tone of your voice to fit the dialogue and adjust the pace of your voice to fit the story.
  6. Avoid long descriptive passages until the child’s imagination, vocabulary and attention span are capable of handling them.
  7. Unusually active children may find it difficult to sit and listen. Paper, crayons, and pencils allow them to keep their hands busy while listening.
  8. Encourage conversation about what is being read. Foster a child’s curiosity with patient answers to their questions.
  9. Remember to set aside regular reading times each day for your child to read on his or her own.

Dr. Pastorok is an educational specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centers. She has a doctorate in educational psychology, a master’s degree in counseling psychology and more than 30 years’ experience working with children.

 

©Copyright Child Care Owner – All Rights Reserved