As a parent, you want to do everything possible to promote your child's development and ensure they reach their milestones on time. One question that often comes up is whether teaching babies sign language can delay their ability to speak.
In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of baby sign language and Makaton, and how it can actually help promote speech and language development in babies and toddlers.
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Baby sign language involves teaching babies and toddlers to use sign language to communicate before they can speak. Makaton is a specific type of sign language that uses signs, symbols, and pictures to help people with communication difficulties, including babies and toddlers.
Contrary to popular belief, teaching babies sign language does not delay their ability to speak. In fact, research has shown that baby signing can actually promote speech and language development in babies and toddlers.
When babies are able to communicate using signs, it reduces frustration and allows them to express themselves more effectively. This, in turn, can encourage them to use words to supplement their signing and eventually transition to using speech more consistently.
Moreover, teaching babies sign language can also help develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are important for language development.
It's amazing to see how babies can make signs with their hands before they are able to form words with their mouths. Here are some examples of common baby signs:
"More" - tapping fingertips together
"Eat" - putting fingers to mouth
"Milk" - squeezing fist like milking a cow
"All done" - waving both hands
"Sleep" - closing fists and resting head on them
Can Teaching Babies Sign Language Delay Them Learning to Speak?
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What is Baby Sign Language and Makaton?
Baby sign language involves teaching babies and toddlers to use sign language to communicate before they can speak. Makaton is a specific type of sign language that uses signs, symbols, and pictures to help people with communication difficulties, including babies and toddlers.
How Baby Sign Language Can Promote Speech and Language Development
Contrary to popular belief, teaching babies sign language does not delay their ability to speak. In fact, research has shown that baby signing can actually promote speech and language development in babies and toddlers.
When babies are able to communicate using signs, it reduces frustration and allows them to express themselves more effectively. This, in turn, can encourage them to use words to supplement their signing and eventually transition to using speech more consistently.
Moreover, teaching babies sign language can also help develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are important for language development.
Examples of Baby Signing
It's amazing to see how babies can make signs with their hands before they are able to form words with their mouths. Here are some examples of common baby signs:
"More" - tapping fingertips together
"Eat" - putting fingers to mouth
"Milk" - squeezing fist like milking a cow
"All done" - waving both hands
"Sleep" - closing fists and resting head on them
Benefits and features of Using Makaton
Makaton is a great tool for promoting communication in babies and toddlers with communication difficulties. It uses a range of signs, symbols, and pictures to support language development, and can also help promote social interaction and inclusion.
Moreover, Makaton is a widely recognized and accepted communication system, which means that it can be easily used in different settings such as schools, nurseries, and care homes.
Baby sign language involves using hand gestures or signs to communicate with babies and toddlers who are too young to speak or have limited verbal abilities. Makaton is a type of baby sign language that uses signs and symbols to support spoken language. It's widely used in early years settings, schools, and with individuals with additional communication needs. The benefits of baby signing and Makaton include:
- Helps babies and toddlers to express themselves and understand their environment better
- Reduces frustration and tantrums by allowing them to communicate their needs and wants
- Enhances parent-child bonding through shared communication
- Supports language development by providing a visual link between words and actions
Can Teaching Babies Sign Language Delay Their Speech Development?
The answer is no. In fact, research has shown that baby signing can actually enhance speech and language development by helping babies and toddlers to understand the relationship between objects, actions, and words.
Examples of Babies Using Signs Before Words
Babies as young as six months old can start using signs for common objects and activities such as "more," "eat," and "milk." They may also use signs for people, animals, and emotions. By using signs, babies are able to communicate their needs and wants before they are able to form words with their mouths.
How Baby Signing Enhances Speech and Language Development
By learning signs for familiar objects and activities, children begin to understand the meaning behind words and can start to link them to their corresponding actions. This enhances their overall language development and helps them to learn new words and concepts more quickly. Baby signing also improves their ability to understand and use language, which can have long-term benefits for their academic and social success.
Encouraging Baby Signing in Your Home
If you're interested in encouraging baby signing in your home, there are many resources available, including online videos and classes. Start with simple signs for common objects and activities, and use them consistently throughout your daily routines. Repeat the signs as you say the corresponding words to help your child make the connection between the two.
Conclusion as to whether makaton delays speech
In conclusion, teaching babies sign language, including Makaton, can actually promote speech and language development in babies and toddlers, rather than delaying it. Baby signing reduces frustration and encourages babies to express themselves more effectively, which can help them to use words more consistently.
So, if you're worried about whether teaching your baby sign language will delay their speech development, you can rest assured that it won't. In fact, it can have many benefits for their overall language and social development.
If you're interested in learning more about baby signing and Makaton, there are many resources available online, including books, videos, and online courses. Consider incorporating baby sign language into your daily routine to help your baby communicate more effectively and promote their language development.
If you'd like to learn about how to develop language through sensory play, you can read my blog post linked here.
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