‘Signing with Infants and Toddlers’ Ready – Set - Go Connecting With KIDZ

 What is America Sign Language (ASL)  Why use ASL with infant & toddlers  How to choose and integrate Signs in an infant/toddler program  How to Identify Signs of Progress Learning Objectives Connecting With KIDZ

What is American Sign Language? ASL is a visual language Studies show that children learn through what they SEE – HEAR – DO The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, facial expressions and body movements, all play important role in conveying information. When you incorporate ASL into your infant/toddler program you are “unlocking the potential” in the whole child…..every child. Key to success….Highlight the vocabulary you want child to know; if child wants some milk, say the word MILK ………..then ask the question ‘do you want some MILK?’ Make sign for ‘MILK’ Connecting With KIDZ

Promotes self-esteem and confidence Supports their ability to express emotions Raises awareness of diversity Why Use ASL in an Infant & Toddler Program? Connecting With KIDZ Bridges communication with preverbal children. Promotes early literacy skills

1. Choose signs that match a child’s interests 2. Choose signs for objects, actions and describing words. 3. Choose signs for words children can’t say yet. Rain Kangaroo – Elephant - Toothbrush Music Blocks Dancing How to Choose & Integrate Signs into an Infant/Toddler Program TurtleSocks Jump Connecting With KIDZ

4. Choose signs for words a child doesn’t say clearly. 5. Choose signs that can help in dangerous situations. For example, “ba” for Ball, Bath, and so on. Ball Bath Hurt Help How to Choose & Integrate Signs into an Infant/Toddler Program Stop Connecting With KIDZ

6. Choose signs that can prevent frustration. 7. Choose signs for frequently-used words. Example, during nap time and mealtime routines Use signs from daily routines, clean-up, outside, story time Clean-up Book Sleep All Done/Finish Outside How to Choose & Integrate Signs into an Infant/Toddler Program More Connecting With KIDZ

HAPPY SAD Sign language is a great ‘tool’ to help young children Express Emotions & Feelings 8. Choose signs to help children express their emotions. How to Choose & Integrate Signs into an Infant/Toddler Program LOVE ANGRY AFRAID Connecting With KIDZ

Signs and Books – A Great Partnership STARS LIGHT MOUSE MOON How to Choose & Integrate Signs into an Infant/Toddler Program Connecting With KIDZ

How to Identify Signs of Progress? Steps children will take in the journey from the sign to word Connecting With KIDZ

Happy Signing!! To learn how to bring an in-service staff presentation to your early learning program call (480) Connecting With KIDZ