FAQ

Why Sign?
Babies can communicate physically before they can verbally. Signing allows babies, both hearing and non-hearing, to express their needs and thoughts before they're able to talk. This is a huge step toward eliminating frustration and gives babies a means to express themselves.

Does signing make my child smarter?
New studies indicate children exposed to signing actually score better on intelligence tests and seem to verbalize sooner that non-signing children. Signing does not hinder speaking, but actually helps to accelerate verbal communication.

It seems sign language sparks a child's desire to talk and aides in alleviating the frustration all parents and babies feel when they can't effectively communicate.

Signing is also especially helpful when trying to decipher between words that may sound alike when your child pronounces them. Signing helps your child be more specific, getting the correct word or need across to you without the frustration and guesswork that comes from words sounding alike in the beginning stages of speech development.

When to start?
You can begin signing with your child as early as 6 or 7 months. Some babies may attempt to sign back to you as early as 10 months.

It's never too early or too late to begin signing, and Baby See 'N Sign has been created for anyone interested in sign language; children of all ages, adults, hearing, non-hearing, with Down's or autistism. Baby See 'N Sign makes it easy to teach anyone how to sign basic signs and learn a second language.

Let's get started!
This video will show you a variety of real-life images that relate to your child's daily life, including animals, food, toys, and activities.  Each image is supported by its corresponding sign, matching sounds where applicable, and on-screen vocabulary.

While watching Baby See 'N Sign, look for 4 or 5 word-images that interest your baby or that are a part of your daily routine. Words that would help you, or those that excite and entertain your child are the best to start with. Repeat the sign often, as you say the word.

Help your child to make the sign if necessary. Remember, repetition is the key to successfully learning sign language. After mastering a few signs, introduce baby to new signs one or two at a time, as your baby appears ready and eager to learn more.

Why include vocabulary if baby can't read?
Vocabulary immerses baby in written language, bathing them in letters and words. Early exposure enhances literacy skills. Research shows signing babies exhibit stronger lingual development than those who do not.

In addition, vocabulary words will become especially important as reading and spelling tools once your child is speaking and becomes interested in reading & writing.

Is it ok to make up signs?
Certainly your baby will come up with his or her versions of the American Sign Language signs that you teach them. However, it is best to expose baby to ASL, rather than just inventing signs. This is because following a method that is universal allows your child to communicate with others, not just with you or those within your home.

If your child does make up or do partial signs, be sure to praise them, encourage them, but also teach them the actual sign as   well. When baby is ready they will convert over to the correct ASL sign.

Remember, repetition is the key to effectively teach sign language. There is no other training necessary, merely put the tape in your VCR and begin to sign with your child almost immediately. As you will see, many of the signs are ãiconicä or they look like the words they stand for. This makes learning easy and fun, not only for the immediate family, but for anyone that spends significant time with your child such as relatives, friends, baby sitters and day care providers.

Signing not only becomes a means for babies to communicate needs, but a way to discuss observations, engage in conversations and simply to just let you know what's on their little minds.