Baby Sign 9am Cockrill Middle School July 26, 2011 By: Jennifer Maclin Certified PreK-12 th grade ESL, ASL, & Deaf Ed. Teacher. BEI Level 1 Interpreter

Why use Baby Sign? 1. Reduces tears, tantrums, and frustrations 2. Allows the child to express their needs and share their world with you 3. Helps you develop language skills & speak sooner 4. Boost the baby’s self-esteem and self-confidence 5. Jump-start the child’s intellectual development, resulting in a higher IQ! 2

The Research behind Baby Sign The leading author and researcher is Linda Acredolo, PhD. And Susan Goodwyn, PhD. The article: “The Long Term Impact of Symbolic Gesturing During Infancy on IQ at Age 8” Results showed that children that were taught baby sign during their infancy took a WISC-III (IQ test) and each child resulted in a 12-point advantage over children that did not use baby sign. In addition, they performed at a year older than their non- signing peers. In conclusion, the positive long-term effects on cognitive and emotional development were successful. 3

Materials available Free resources at The babysigns website: There are pictures and posters to download. Classroom kits and products d=150&cat=52https:// d=150&cat=52 A small laminate reference only $ d=150&cat=52 4

How to Start…10 steps 1. Start with just a few signs. 2. Always use the baby sign and speak the word together 3. Repeat the sign and the word several times 4. Point when possible 5. When necessary, gently guide your child’s hands 5

6. Make Baby Signing a regular part of your day 7. Watch for opportunities to model the signs 8. Be flexible and watch for your baby’s creations 9. Be patient 10. Make the learning fun: make it a game, not a chore 6

When should you start? Research states you should start around 6 months or later depending on if they are: Is pointing at things Bring a toy to you and looking for a response Wave bye and/or shake their head Interested in picture books They are frustrated that you don’t understand what they need 7

The ABCs of Baby Signing 8

ASL or Baby Sign? Which is best for your program? So, are you wanting to teach ASL as a foreign language? Are you simply wanting to use baby sign? Keep in mind much of this cannot be used in the deaf world. 9

Suggested Starter Signs EatDrinkMoreHatDogCatBookFishFlowerDiaperCrackerBigBirdMilk Hot HotHurtGentleStopHelpWaitFinish 10

Nighttime, Weather, Feelings BathMoonQuietStarsSleepRainColdHotBabyHappySadAfraidAngryLoveBallLikeBigSmallInOutTall 11

More Signs LightShoeTelephoneAirplaneCarNoiseButterflyMouseMonkeyHorseCowFrogElephantBunnyMusic/SongCookieGoodBad 12

Grammar ASL has a unique and distinct word order. It is not English and is too confusing for children. So, do not worry about it. When you pick a song or rhyme, pick the word that is the most important & that they can sign. You decide what sign you want them to sign when singing or reading. 13

Example of Grammar Choice The Farmer in the dell Heigh-ho the derry-o The farmer in the dell The farmer reads a book… The farmer flies a plane… The farmer eats a snack… The farmer asks for more… FARMFARMFARMBOOKPLANEEATMORE 14

Choosing Baby Signs Ask the parent to fill out the following for their child: 1. My baby’s favorite drink is: _____ 2.My baby’s favorite snack is: _____ 3.My baby’s favorite fruit is: _______ 4.My baby’s favorite toy is:_______ 5.My baby’s favorite pet is: _______ 6.My baby’s favorite song is:______ 7.My baby’s favorite nursery rhyme is:_____ 8.My baby’s favorite color is:_____ 15

What to teach first? Have the parents fill out the previous slide and work with their child See what similarities your children have and pick those signs to learn first (from the questionnaire) Or Use the list to pick what you want to teach your children first Begin by teaching the sign for what your children get frustrated with the most. Most importantly it’s Your Choice! 16

Resources 17

Resources Signing Time Classroom Edition SKU: DVD348 $ at “The Signing Time Classroom Edition is an excellent resource for preschools, public schools, private schools, home schools, playgroups, after school activities and church groups. The activities are geared for children ages 3-9 (Pre-K to 3rd grade). The Classroom Edition features a 2-inch binder that holds eight DVDs, two music CDs and 16 units of lesson material. Each lesson unit is organized around a dozen or more signs and contains fun activities for sign language practice.” It contains: teacher tips, sign reference guides, games & activities, poems, songs, book list, supplemental materials, flash card sheets and how to introduce the signs each chapter. 18

Signing Time videos: Created videos, books and flash cards for infants, toddlers and young children. Only ASL is used. This is a great option for programs wanting to use ASL as a foreign language for years. It builds on one another. For daycares: They have kits, DVDs and books For daycares: They have kits, DVDs and books for/schools-and-daycares 19

Sign Language Fun in E.C. Classroom SKU: B1034 $10.99 at This educational resource is designed for all early childhood classrooms that can be used by all teachers, care providers and parents of all young children Supports NAEYC standards. Learn 170 signs through early learning themes and everyday activities 170 reproducible sign illustrations and 15 phrases with written directions 15 chapters featuring early childhood themes such as Manners and Words; Directions/Movement; Feelings/Emotions; Colors; Pets; Farm Animals; Food/Eating; People; Family; Weather; Toys; School Tools; Everyday Objects; Numbers; Phrases 20

Both Baby Sign and Signing Time have: Curriculum Lesson plans Songs with signs Videos, etc. Classroom curriculum sets are around $250 21

What I have for you: I have signs to get you started A resource if you have questions A resource if you have questions A knowledge of the language and grammar Completed the research and believe in this fully and will one day use it with my children… 22

Website List: (my own personal website for my students with MANY links) (practice YOUR fingerspelling) & & Online Dictionaries WONDERFUL free website with LPs, activities, interactive to help you learn and create ideas (‘functional groups’ is a great place to learn!) 23

More Websites on where to buy: link-productCategory

More Companies Centered on the Deaf and ASL great site for bulletin board and calendar ideas Calendar is all about Baby Signs…great idea for the parents to buy or you to cut out and put on you bulletin board 25