This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Sophie Morris
Looking for some hands-on books for babies and toddlers? Make storytime more engaging with these titles that combine classic children’s rhymes and sign language!
Did you know that babies can learn hand gestures before being able to communicate in full words? Teaching babies sign language can begin as early as six months! Telling little ones stories with sign language fosters cognitive growth and keeps them engaged through visual, expressive language.
Babies often start communicating in full words around 12 months of age. They can become frustrated when they can’t express their needs to parents or caretakers. However, infants develop motor skills earlier than speech – this makes sign language a great communication tool for infants as young as six months. Having a way to express needs and emotions can lead to fewer tantrums and greater emotional regulation. According to Indiana University’s blog Literacy From the Start teaching your baby signs can even affect your bond with your little one because sign language bridges the communication gap and thus “allows you to be more responsive to their needs.”
Teaching babies sign language won’t delay their speech. According to the Office of Head Start’s article, Teaching American Sign Language to Infants and Toddlers, “all children can benefit from the use of ASL with no risk to other language skills, including spoken language.” In fact, babies who learn sign language sometimes show accelerated language development. Studies have demonstrated that teaching children sign language can lead to a more expansive vocabulary and greater language skills compared to children not exposed to sign language.
This is your sign to pick up Child’s Play’s Sign and Rhyme series with your little ones, available with American Sign Language as well as editions in British Sign Language! Illustrated by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow, each title in the series includes a well-known children’s rhyme and illustrated demonstrations of accompanying signs.
