Good Question! Key Benefits:
Twenty years of scientific research [1] has shown several
good reasons why parents should learn to sign with their
children. Some key benefits are:
- Helps children learn to talk/speak
sooner.
Yes!
Sooner, not later. Many parents fear their
child may rely on the signs and not learn to speak.
The opposite is true. The earlier your child learns
to communicate with you (in sign) the more he or
she will want to communicate they way you do – with
a spoken language.
- Helps children communicate
their needs earlier.
The
use of our vocal chords does not develop as early
as our gross or fine motor skills. Infants
and toddlers want to communicate with us but can’t
get the information clearly to us using their voice. But
they can communicate with us using their hands and
facial expressions. Why not help them along by teaching
them sign language?
- Boost self-esteem and emotional development.
Now that your child can communicate
with you in sign he or
she feels less frustrated and more confident
in engaging in conversation.
- Good for their brain.
Research
[1] has also shown higher IQ
scores with children who learn to sign at a very young
age compared to children who did not learn to sign. Sign
language can also boost your child’s multi-intelligence
skills, specifically body kinesthetic abilities. [2]
- Creates a stronger bond between
parent and child.
The
more your child can communicate with you expressing
feelings and wants the stronger the bonds becomes.
- And….
Its fun!
Many
parents have shared stories about the fun they’ve had
understanding what their child thinks and feels.
1 Acredolo, L. and Goodwyn, S. (2002). “Baby
Signs”.
2 Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligence: The Theory
in Practice.
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