Whether you are a curriculum planner for a large educational organization or you run your own small daycare operations, including baby sign language in your curriculum has become the norm. Parents have come to expect pre-verbal communication in order to facilitate transitions from home care to school settings. There is also the comfort of knowing that a baby or toddler is better equipped to communicate needs even before they are able to use oral language.
If you have been looking for seamless ways to include baby sign language in your daily interactions as well as your planned curriculum, take note of the following ideas:
Use Ready-Made Baby Sign Language Materials
If you are an educator, you have probably realized that time is a scarce asset. Your focus should be aimed at teaching and not at reinventing the wheel. When possible, use tried and tested materials that are kid-friendly and easy to use. We love the flexibility of our heavy-duty cardboard flashcard set. The set contains 52 signs that set the stage for language acquisition. The same set can be used from birth all the way to kindergarten as a tool for learning how to sign, learning how to associate images to words, learning about groupings, and learning basic sight words.
Introduce Age-Appropriate Signing Games
Once a toddler initiates engagement, it will be pretty easy to incorporate signing in activities like group dynamics, sign the object, and be the fastest to sign. As the child matures as far as motor skills are concerned, you will be able to engage in far more complex games that will help in their development as well as language acquisition.
Use Multimedia
Need a moment? Getting kiddos ready for their nap? Consider taking advantage of our DVD collection. The songs are simple, the graphics are soothing, and before you know it, the kids will begin to recognize everyday signs in context.
Be Contextual
Being contextual and utilitarian in your approach is the best way to teach both verbal skills and sign language. Teach your little ones to use signing to convey their needs such as potty break, or stressors like being tired or hungry.
If you need additional guidance or want us to help you access baby sign language resources for schools at a wholesale price, please reach out at [email protected].
Hello! I am looking to add baby sign language to our early childhood programs (still in development). We are hoping to offer these virtually. I am wondering if I purchase the Premium Kit, I am allowed to present the Baby Sign Language Material in a course that I run for parents to teach their children sign language? What is the copyright restriction and how can we best use these amazing resources to help parents? Thank you!
Hi, Julia. Thanks for your interest in using our Premium Kit. Yes, you may present our BSL materials in your course for parents. We would appreciate it if you could cite us as your source. Feel free to browse our site if you need tips on how to maximize the benefits of using our resources. Best regards!