Has anybody taught their kids sign language?

Question

I'm having some trouble keeping my babies attention while trying to talk to her or teach her signs, but I need a better way of communicating with her. She's 13 months old. Any suggestions and has signing worked for you?

Answer 1

It is important to keep it up. Don't quit just because you think she's not paying attention. Deaf people don't actually watch just hands when reading sign language. They take in the whole picture: hand movements, facial expressions, mouth movements, body language, ect.
While she's learning, it's important to voice the words as you are signing them so it will be easier for her to associate. (I do a lot of pointing too, to emphasize objects; 'This is your PACIFIER.') Even if you think she should know the sign, at least mouth the word.
Be persistant and sign often, it should work. Good luck.

Answer 2

Practice Practice and more practice! And not to mention patience. LOTs of it!!
Its very hard, you have to be repetive with her, their mind is constantly growing each and everyday, just do 1 or 3 signs a day. Stick with those for a week, and than do 3 more the next week. I have a 2 1/2 year old who has really no verbal skills yet, but we are working with sign lanague and with speech therapy 3 x's a week and not to mention alot of it here at home. Don't beat yourself up if she doesn't get it right away. Remeber she is a baby. Try it again tomorrow. Good luck!!

Answer 3

I taught my dd a few simple signs. I bought a video called "Talking Hands" (or something) from amazom.com. She was about 2.5 at the time and not talking. It held her attention.

You could do something simple. Give her one treat that you don't mind her having more than one of. Then say more and sign it. Then give her more. The important thing, IMO, is saying what you are signing. Don't try to do more than one sign at a time.

Answer 4

I think this is such a cool idea.... I read in a magazine once that all families should learn sign language together....

As the kids grow up... you can say, "I love you," to each other and the kids won't be embarrassed in front of their friends...

You can tell your child, "Your pants are unzipped," from across the room.... lol.

And of course it's always awesome to be able to "talk" to someone who can't.

Answer 5

I haven't started it yet but i plan to. I was told to start between nine and twelve months. Be patient and keep trying. Use just one or two at a time and do them throughout the day as part of your normal routine.

Answer 6

yes i taught my god daughter and it works great! ever since she was born when i'd talk to her i'd do signs while i talked and she is great with it. i've understood her better than mommy since she was about 1. she knew how to say pain, pants, beautiful, hungry etc. but the difference i think is that i just did as i talked i didn't have like lesson time etc. so just try doing it as you talk. most people talk with thier hands anyway so you wouldn't look odd doing it either. the funny thing is with my god daughter she still does it and as she talks!

Answer 7

My daughter is learning sign language at daycare but she is 3 years old. Maybe your little girl is too young still.

Answer 8

It's really important to use words even as you gesture. If you do both, it doesn't really matter so much if she is paying attention (looking at you) or not.

Best wishes!
from a grandma-aged person

Answer 9

Im teaching my 9 month old and he already signs,milk,eat,more,mom,dad,brother,and sleep.

Answer 10

Wow thats a good idea, thank you