Signing with a Toddler

[NettleTea]

Is it too late to start signing with my 2 yr. old?

Also, (if it is not too late) please recommend a good book for learning to sign with a toddler.

Any other suggestions, tips, etc regarding this topic is much appreciated!

[angelandmisha]

I wouldn't think it's too late. We started around 10 months and I was worried that was too late! But it wasn't. I think signing can be really helpful and your dc will probably pick it up really fast. We used Baby Signing Time DVDs and absolutely love them. Check out her website: www.signingtime.com She does another show for older kids called Signing Time which I didn't enjoy as well but you might. It's a great series and my ds really loved it. It's fun! Good luck!

[calebsmommy25]

I wouldn't think it is too late. Some of the signing classes around here don't start until 18 months, which I think is weird. I don't have any books or dvds. I just search for signs online, teach myself and then teach ds when it is applicable. I find for him, if he already knows a word, he isn't very interested in doing the sign. But, for new words or words he has a hard time saying it is very helpful. Signing def. helped with his vocabulary, and learning how to say words. It is quite amazing. I am a huge advocate of signing with children. It really helps them articulate what they are trying to say before they can say many of the actual words.

Good luck on your journey!

[MamaPhD]

I don't think it's too late. DD is 16 mo and we started signing at around 12 mo. I, too, look signs up online, teach myself, then teach DD. This way I can teach what she is interested in & what we see around us while we play, rather than follow a book or a class of pre-determined vocab. Also DD gets signs that look like the word (i.e. flapping arms for "flying"), rather than astract signs (pinkie forms a "J" for juice - DD can't spell, plus letter J or the pinkie don't look anything like juice she drinks!). So, it helps I look up signs beforehand and kinda pre-screen them. I can tell, oh, she won't get this for now.

One thing I learned is that some of the "baby sign language" materials out there are not standard "Amerian Sign Language". They are simplified or made up. I personally think it would be more useful to teach the standard ASL, so DD can grow up and actually sign with others using ASL. This is where I go to look things up, btw. http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/page...t/concepts.htm

My DD and I communicate with sign probably half the time. It has been so much fun and useful for both of us. I really highly recommend you give it a try!

[LiLStar]

Definitely not too late. Is it too late to start teaching Spanish? course not!

HUGE fans of Signing Time here! Signing Time even has its own signing classes now, Signing Time Academy. Check www.signingtimeacademy.com to see if there's an instructor near you. The classes are super fun and PERFECT for a 2 year old. The DVDs might be at your library too, so check! My dd is 3, started signing at a year, and still signs daily. (And her speech is fine, its just a fun language and she likes it) She loves teaching signs to her baby brother, and will spontaneously be like, (saying/signing) "grass!" if we're outside sitting in the grass. Its pretty stinkin cute.

Anyway.. as for tips starting.. Signing Time dvds will probably have pretty darn quick results. (Had my 12 month old signing "dog" after just a couple views) but you can choose a handful of signs to work on yourself, no tv required. Definitely include signs that are things s/he finds interesting. Not just things like, milk, eat, potty/diaper, more, please, thank you, hurt..etc. Those are very USEFUL signs, but they are not INTERESTING signs. Kids want to tell you about things that excite them! They want to say "look at THAT, mom!" So definitely teach the "useful" signs but include an even mix of "fun" signs. Cat, dog, bird, ball, airplane, car, ice cream, hat, train, balloon, bubbles, flower.. if your lo finds it interesting, sign it! You can have a lot of fun with it at this age, and make up simple games. After you've demonstrated a few signs enough that you're reasonably sure s/he knows what it means (even if not signing back) get out a picture book and say, "can you find a DOG on this page?" (but sign dog instead of saying it)

[Tummy]

Never too late! I have been signing with my little for many months, everyone in the family is signing, we are all learning new signs every day! We looove signing!

[Catwmandu]

I second Baby Signing Time. We were very anti - TV it just so happened that her increased exposure to it coincided with her new brothers arrival (6 months ago). I got them for a gift for him and she loves them.

When they watch other kids do the signs and the signs are combined with songs and colors... magic.

We all sign now and she loves them.

BTW her language is phenomenal... (some people poo poo the idea due to what they anticipate to be issues with desire to communicate vocally).

[NettleTea]

Thanks you, mamas

[physmom]

Definitely not too late! We use the book Baby Signing 123. DD is 14 months and has just now started to get really interested. However, due to her fine motor skills a lot of the signs look the same! I imagine for a 2 year old that part would be much easier so your kid will probably pick it up quickly!

BTW, I LOVE your quote in your signature!!!!!!

[lactatinggirl]

I like Sign 2 Me because they use real ASL. I would definitely suggest taking a class because you just can't do the same stuff at home. Peanut's signs have exploded since we started the class.