 Review by
Richard SumrallIn the second edition of her book "The
Complete Idiot's Guide to Baby Sign Language," author and speech pathologist
Diane Ryan writes, "My goal is to dispel the myths, validate the truths,
discuss the programs, convince you to sign with your baby and then teach you
how." Ryan is the founder of KinderSigns, a learning institution that
instructs parents and professionals on the pre-verbal skills and basic signs
needed to communicate with babies.
"Baby Sign Language Basics"
Ryan defines baby sign language as "a way to communicate with your baby
before your baby can speak by teaching him/her a few basic gestures or
signs." She argues that babies who sign are generally less frustrated, form
closer bonds with their parents, develop larger vocabularies and increase
their levels of intelligence.
The biggest misconception about baby signing is that it will delay a
toddler's speech development. On the contrary, there is scientific evidence
proving that babies who sign will actually learn to speak at an earlier
stage in their life. This is a result of the basic baby signing technique --
you talk to the baby and say the word when you are introducing a new
sign.
There are four specific benefits for babies who sign: emotional, social,
language and cognitive. Emotional well-being is reinforced through a sense
of self-esteem and confidence. This will encourage the baby's social
development and promote stronger family bonds. The language benefits are
apparent -- an ability to communicate at an earlier age through a more
complex vocabulary. Cognitive abilities can accelerate greater brain
functions, a higher IQ and a higher reading level.
How do parents decide when to begin teaching signing to their baby? Ryan
believes that decision can be reached when the baby begins to demonstrate
cognitive skills used to make initial associations with their sounds and
surroundings. Parents should also observe their baby's hands. A baby's hands
should have enough dexterity to form the signs you are teaching. This
agility will become evident as the baby grabs objects, transfers objects
from hand to hand, and picks up small objects with thumb and finger.
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"Ready, Set, Sign!"
The two different teaching methods for baby signing are
traditional, a relaxed method that can begin as early as six months,
and the express, an intense two-week training for babies 11 months
or older.
The book illustrates many different signs: for example, the
concepts of hurt, help, diaper change, gentle touch, etc. The first
three signs that should be taught are "more," "eat" and "milk." Each
sign in the book clearly illustrates a child performing the sign and
is accompanied with Ryan's step-by-step instructions. As a bonus,
there is a 72-page Baby Sign Language Dictionary.
"The Advanced Signer"
Once you have successfully taught your baby some basic signs, you
can turn your attention to a variety of more advanced
communications. The categories in Ryan's book include food and
drink; good manners; behavior and safety; activities and games;
feelings and emotions; and animals.
One of baby signing's advantages to parents comes during potty
training. Signing helps the baby signal to the parent the need to
use the toilet. According to Ryan, this makes the baby feel as if he
or she has more control in the process; it reinforces the potty
training routine; and it eliminates the guesswork of when the child
is actually ready to use the potty.
"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baby Sign Language" is an
informative and innovative approach to breaking the language barrier
with your toddler. This book will get parents, "on the fast track to
signing with your baby … and help your baby use signs to express
feelings, wants and needs." This book is recommended to parents,
caregivers and professionals seeking to develop better communication
skills with an infant.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
