Sign Language in a Speech-delayed Daughter

Hi Samarra,

I have two children-4 yr boy and 18 mth girl.

Since you are fluent I don't want to act like an expert as this attempt at sign language was to ward off tantrums. I simply used a sign while talking to my son. It was not 'sit down and do sign language time. I introduced words as we talked, played, bathed-whenever the opportunity for a new word appeared.

I started with just a few signs (cold, book, more, cry, mad, milk, hat, hot, hurt) with my son when he was 15 mths old by the time he was 17 mths he was talking. Understandable and clear words. He went straight from signing to talking.

I've been signing to and with my 18 mth old since she was 11 mths. again just basic signs as above. She hasn't made the leap to speaking clearly as her brother but she does (baby)talk and use signs everyday. She's just a different child.

I wish I would have introduced more signs but just chose the signs that helped me communicate daily needs to the kids. It's so rewarding being able to communicate with them with just the few signs I introduced to them. It's so very special.

You may want to teach your child care person some signs as well so she can reinforce them with your child during the day.

Keep at it (you're a pro) and have fun!

F.

We started teaching my daugher sign language when she was around 11 months old, and it took her about a month before she started signing back. I used the book "Sign with your Baby" by Joseph Garcia and found it to be extremely helpful in understanding how to teach to a baby. One thing he recommended which you might want to try is to only start with three signs (he suggested milk, more and eat) until they catch on.

Hi there,

I used American sign language with my son who is now 29 months.
I started it around the age of your baby, so I am sure it's not too late. I bought Signing Time DVD#1 and #2 at Target web site. I was amazed how my son already picked up couple of signs in a week or two. Give your baby some time to get interested in whole thing. After couple of weeks my son was really using signs to ask for water, milk, bird etc.
After he learned signs on 1st CD, I boought 2nd one.
He is talking for the last 7-8 months, and he doesn't need signs anymore, but he still asks to watch Alex and Liah (kids from the CD's)ocasionally.
Good luck with it and don't give up!
Best regards,
S.

I started late with my 21 month old son, and then we found out that he has a speech problem. I have stepped it up and now he can do the basic please ans more. There is nothing more frusrating than toddlers not being able to communicate with you! I think it is really helping.

Good luck!

We are learning sign language on the fly, but we have been very successful in teaching our girls. It�s pretty simple, just use the signs as you would with anyone else when you are talking to the child or even in front of the child. They will pick it up pretty quickly. Remember though, their sign will be about as sloppy as their speech. They don�t have the kind of muscle control that we do, so it will be �baby sign�, just like baby talk. Good luck.

-K.

Hi Samarra, It takes awhile for children to learn the signs. I started teaching my first son at 9 mts and he didn't make his first sign for several months. I've been making signs for my second son since he was born (he is now 1 yr) and he has YET to make a sign for me. Maybe my boys are slow. They understand the signs and will calm down when they see me making them, but they don't give me the signs. I've heard of other success stories that children were signing by 10 or 11 mts. Did they teach you to always say the word that goes with the sign? You probably already know that. I just keep repeating the sign over and over while they are drinking milk, getting more, eating, are "finished", tired, going to bed, etc.
Good luck!

Hi Samarra,
I sell Discovery Toys, and we carry a product called "Baby Signs". It is book/video full of basic signs that you and your child can easily communicate through. You can check it out on my website: www.discoverytoyslink.com/atoylady
Let me know if I can help you.
C.