Teaching Young Kids Signs to Communicate

In this installment of our Beyond ABCs blog series, we’re focusing on a fascinating and powerful way to enhance early communication skills in young children: teaching them basic sign language. Signing plays a crucial role in language development by giving children a way to express themselves before they are fully verbal. Long before children are ready to speak, they are able to understand and communicate through simple signs, which can significantly reduce frustration and foster early literacy development.

By introducing sign language into your daily interactions, you are not only encouraging communication but also laying a strong foundation for language development. Children who learn signs early are often more confident communicators because they feel understood, and this confidence can make the transition to verbal communication smoother. Studies show that babies and toddlers who learn basic sign language are not only able to communicate more effectively with caregivers, but they also demonstrate a higher understanding of language, which can pave the way for later reading and writing skills.

At the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), we support the use of sign language as part of early literacy development. Our Sing, Sign, Laugh, and Learn classes are specifically designed to help parents and caregivers incorporate sign language into their daily routines. These programs offer a fun and interactive way for families to explore signing, along with singing and storytelling activities.

Why Teach Sign Language to Young Children?

Signing is an incredible tool for bridging the gap between comprehension and speech. It gives children a way to express themselves before they are fully verbal, allowing them to communicate needs and emotions that they might not yet have the words for. For instance, when a child uses a sign for "more" or "milk," they are learning to associate meaning with symbols—an essential building block of literacy. Over time, this understanding of symbols (whether they be signs, letters, or words) helps children develop the skills they need to succeed in reading and writing.

Benefits of Signing for Early Literacy

• Enhanced Understanding: Children who learn signs are exposed to new vocabulary in a hands-on, engaging way. This can help them better understand words and their meanings, even before they are able to speak them.
• Reduced Frustration: One of the biggest benefits of teaching signs is the reduction in frustration. When children can express their needs—whether they want a snack, are tired, or want to read a book—they feel heard and understood, which fosters a positive attitude towards communication.
• Foundation for Reading Skills: Signing reinforces the concept that words and symbols carry meaning. This early exposure to symbolic language lays the groundwork for learning the alphabet, understanding phonics, and recognizing words as they learn to read.

Activities to Introduce Signs at Home

• Start with Simple Signs: Begin by teaching a few key signs that your child can use in daily routines. Start with useful, everyday words like "milk," "more," "eat," and "all done." These words are practical, and children are more likely to learn them quickly because they relate directly to their needs.
• Integrate Signing into Daily Routines: Consistency is key when teaching signs. Use them regularly during predictable times of day, like meals, bath time, or bedtime. For example, when offering more food, sign "more" and say the word aloud at the same time. Repeat this each time, and soon your child will begin to mimic the sign.
• Combine Signing with Songs and Stories: Singing songs that incorporate signs is a fun way to introduce new vocabulary. Songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "The Wheels on the Bus" can easily be paired with signs for "star," "up," or "round and round." Additionally, while reading familiar stories, you can introduce signs for characters or actions, such as "dog" or "sleep."

Simple Signs to Get You Started

Quick Takeaway

Teaching your child sign language offers many benefits that go beyond communication. It supports their language development, reduces frustration, and builds early literacy skills that will serve them well in the years to come. With a few simple signs, you can empower your little ones to express themselves and deepen their understanding of language.

Stay tuned for our next blog in the series, where we’ll explore the power of repetition and why it plays such an essential role in early literacy development! In the meantime, consider introducing a few signs into your daily routine and watch how it opens up a whole new world of communication with your child.

Let’s keep the conversation going!