My two year old is learning sign language in daycare?

Question

My two year old is learning sign language, which I think is great. I was worried in the beginning because he has been speaking complete sentences since he was just a little over one and I don't want his vocabulary to change or slow down. He is so good at learning it though. The daycare teacher said he is the best at retaining it. But I have a one year old daughter and I don't want her to use sign language and not increase her vocabulary. Am I just overreacting? or should I be concerned?

Yes Jo Jo what a doctor considers sentences. I do it. I want it. You do it. You get it. I wasn't implying he was a baby genius. I just meant sentences that two year olds speak.

Answer 1

Sign language is great! It would be awesome if your 1 year old learned it, too. Learning to sign will not slow down their vocabulary or vocal language, it will just reinforce it. It's like how they say people learn things in different ways. Some people learn by listening, and some people learn by writing things over and over, and some people learn by doing actions. So, when you are in school, you learn math by using blocks, and then using paper and pencil, and reciting the times tables out loud - those are all different ways of retaining the information.

So, by learning sign language and saying the words out loud at the same time (like my daughter points her finger in her other palm and says "more...more") they are just learning different ways of communicating. I think it's great!

Sometimes I can't figure out what's she's saying, but if she makes a hand motion, I can figure it out (she is 1 1/2).

Answer 2

I think it is wonderful, my daughter also was speaking in full sentences, at just over 12 mts and had the vocab of a 7 year old at 18 mts. She is 11 and still has not stopped talking,lol. She was tested recently at school and has the language, communication skills of a college student. Anything that expands on spoken language is fantastic and boosts brain development. Many babies are now taught to sign before they can speak. Basically I am trying to say is don't hold him back, he will continue to amaze you.

Answer 3

learning sign language actually helps to increase a childs grasp on language and can help them to speak sooner. Just use words in conjunction with the signs she is learning. My daughters both were using sign language by 6 months and they were both speaking in complete or near complete sentences at 1.

Answer 4

Yes, I taught my son basic signs- not all of them, but about 5-10, and it was SO helpful. He still uses them when he can't get across what he wants. I started around 9 months old and he is 2.5 now. There is a book called "Baby Signs" that is excellent!

Answer 5

Speaking complete sentences when he was just a little over one? Do you have that on video??
To increase a child's vocabulary you have to speak in clear sentences, read alot to them and label everything. Sign language isn't going to decrease vocabulary unless you use it %100 of the time with no verbal language.

Answer 6

Yes, you're overreacting. It will help your daughter increase her vocabulary and allow her to communicate in additional ways when she can't use the words. It's a good thing, look around at signing sites & you'll see.

Answer 7

Kids are like sponges at that age. They learn and absorb everything! Sign Language is great for them to learn. I wouldn't be concerned at all. Just talk to your one yr old and read to her everyday and she should be fine.

Answer 8

Use both with both your children. It can even help your youngest express his/her wants and needs before they speak in words. But make sure you say the words at the same time. It's great.