Reston’s Bright Horizons to Hold Baby Sign Language Workshop for Parents

This is a promoted post by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which has a child care facility in Reston.

Baby sign language has been a hot topic for the last decade or so, but are there really any benefits? A few small studies point to increased intellectual development, but the primary benefit of using baby sign language is decreased frustration for both you and your baby. Long before babies begin using words, they can use sign language to communicate their needs and wants — typically around 8 months, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It makes sense that a child who can express herself is likely to feel happier and more confident. In a study by R. Thompson, et al., reported by the National Institutes of Health, infants who were taught signs had fewer episodes of crying or temper tantrums. Parents also report feeling more confident because they have a better understanding of how to respond to their babies.

Some parents and teachers have expressed concern that teaching babies sign language will delay verbal language development. Research has shown the opposite to be true. A study by Goodwyn, Acredolo, and Brown, 2000, (cited in Thompson et al., 2007) found that hearing children who have been taught sign language outperformed children whose parents merely encouraged vocal language. Researchers theorize that learning sign language fuels motivation for other forms of communication.

Parents often worry about child development milestones and how early they can begin teaching their baby sign language. You can start demonstrating simple signs as soon as your baby is able to maintain eye contact and seems interested in communicating with you — typically between 5 and 6 months. Most babies don’t begin making signs in response though until 8 or 9 months. Be patient and enjoy this time with your infant.

Tips for Teaching Sign Language to Babies:

• Start simple. Take a Baby Signing class or pick up a baby signing book. Choose signs for words that are concrete or meaningful to your baby, such as more, ball, drink, please or pacifier. Teach only 3 to 5 words initially.
• Use signs during normal everyday routines and activities. To help your baby to learn sign language, say the word as you make the sign in a meaningful real-life setting. For example, if your baby gestures for more crackers, say “more” while making the sign with your hands. Then give your baby a cracker as reinforcement. Consistently make this sign every time your baby asks for more food. Hold your baby on your lap with her back to your stomach. Hold her hands and make the sign, saying the word at the same time. Be sure to give lots of encouragement when your baby makes a sign independently. Say, “You did it! You told me you want more!”
• Allow your baby to set the pace and progress slowly. As your baby masters initial signs, you can add a few more. Remember, though, your goal isn’t to make your child fluent in sign language so much as providing another way to communicate until verbal skills develop. Stick with basic signs for words that your child uses every day and introduce only a couple at a time.
• Keep it fun. Be sure to keep lessons brief and fun. The point of teaching sign language is to reduce frustration, simplify communication, and connect with your baby in a meaningful way.

Best of all, teaching sign language to babies is simple, and Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro is happy to help you get started through our free Baby Signing Workshop on Dec. 15 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. We invite all parents that are interested in learning more about baby signing or families that are ready to start signing with their babies to join us. The one-hour workshop is hosted by a certified Baby Signing instructor and will focus on the research, benefits, and teach participants 32 basic signs. Each family will leave equipped with resources to help you and your baby communicate. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to take home a baby signing gift package! This is a baby-friendly event! There is no cost for this workshop. Simply RSVP to Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro to reserve your space for the evening — [email protected] or 703-774-3211.