F.A.Q.
Why use sign to help a hearing infant communicate?
Most babies begin to talk between the ages of 1 and 2 yet they understand language much earlier. Signing gives babies a way to communicate what they already understand and now have the ability to express. By signing with your baby, you are empowering them to tell you more about who they are.
Will signing delay our baby’s speech?
No. Children who learn to sign during pre-speech months tend to speak sooner. In addition to giving babies a vocabulary boost, signs play an important role in a child’s transition to speech. Communication breakdowns can be frequent when a child first starts to talk. An utterance like “bluh” can mean ball, bottle, blanket or bunny! Luckily, signs give babies a way to clarify their messages while they work on mastering pronunciation.
What is the optimal age to begin signing with our baby?
It’s never too early or too late to sign with your child. Your baby will begin to be attentive and understand signs around 6 months old. It may take a younger child a bit longer to produce signs compared with an older child. Generally, your child will be ready to produce signs between the ages of 8 and 12 months. The earlier you start, the better practiced you’ll be when your baby starts to sign.
On the other hand, parents and children have the most benefits of using signs to communicate from age one to age two. At this age, children understand language and are beginning to speak but are limited by the sounds they can produce. Signing empowers children to be able to effectively communicate using their developing speech and signs. Parents are then able to understand and encourage the child in their sign and speech development. Also, older children can enjoy the benefits of effective communication, cultural awareness, a visual learning tool, and , of course, a lot of fun!
Does Signs & Smiles use American Sign Language or made up signs?
Signs & Smiles uses American Sign Language (ASL) for many reasons. ASL is a fully functioning language and is the formal language of the American Deaf Community. By using signs that your child may see in mainstreamed schools or out in the general community, you are creating sensitivity to inclusion and multiculturalism.
Using a standardized language offers consistency across home, daycare, and educational settings. It gives parents and caregivers options when choosing materials to reinforce learning since ASL is used by a variety of publishers and producers to enhance learning. ASL is easy to learn because many of the signs portray the object, action, or idea being communicated.
Who should attend Signs & Smiles workshops & classes?
Children, babies, parents, expecting parents, childcare providers, families of special needs children, moms’ groups, educators, and anyone who interacts with infants, toddlers, and young children.
Will Signs & Smiles come to me?
Yes, Signs & Smiles will come to your home, mothers club, playgroup, library, childcare center, or school. We can design a class to meet the needs of your group or you can choose from a variety of themes such as Fall Signs or Signs of the Holidays. Signs & Smiles is happy to work with your group to meet all your needs!
Does Signs & Smiles offer any other services?
Yes, Signs & Smiles is also available for Interpreting services. Mary Buckley is a certified RID Interpreter. Mary also provides consultation services for educators or professionals working with children who use sign language. Mary Buckley is also available as a presenter for conferences or staff trainings.