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Ethan (at 12 months) signs "car" (imagine his hands moving as if turning a steering wheel) to tell us he wants to go home now!
Sign Language for Baby and Toddler
Open up a special world of communication!

Ever wished you could communicate more effectively with your baby before he learns to talk?  Why not give sign language a go!  We have two titles available to help you get started and grow your sign language vocabulary.

I started signing "milk" to our son when he was around 8.5 months old every time I gave him a feed.  He signed "milk" back to me a day short of turning 10 months.  I was thrilled!!  He was telling me he wanted milk now!  We introduced more signs, one at a time, and he now has 15 signs under his belt at a year old with more to come.  The time taken to learn each sign has decreased, with some signs being learnt in just one day or less.  It really does make life a lot easier.  For example, I can ask if he wants "milk" or "food" and after a wee think, he will tell me what he wants.  He even tells us when he wants to have a sleep or have his nappy changed.

We got started using the book "baby sign language basics" by Monta Z. Briant, lent to us by a friend.  After checking out many other texts, we are now also referring to "the baby signing book" by Sara Bingham.  Give signing with your baby a go - it's awesome!!

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baby sign language basics
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p1070138

Early Communication for Hearing babies and Toddlers.  By Monta Z. Briant

Includes 60 ASL signs.

Baby Sign Language Basics introduces hearing families to 60 baby-friendly American Sign Language (ASL) signs.  In addition, baby-specific signing techniques, songs and games are included in the book to make learning fun and easy and open up two-way communication quickly.

This is the perfect tool for new parents.  After all, what mum and dad doesn't want to know what their baby is trying to tell them?  The book is even small enough for the nappy bag or handbag!!

the baby signing book
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p1070136

by Sara Bingham

Includes 350 ASL Signs for Babies and Toddlers

Babies can learn to sign before they can speak, and sign language gives them a way to express their wants and needs, easing their frustration.  It allows parents to know what their babies are thinking, curb challenging behaviour, and have fun "chatting" about daily activities.  Being able to communicate with a very young child is thrilling.

With this easy-to-follow program, you and your baby will enjoy learning American Sign Language (ASL) signs.

Part 1 provides an introduction to signing with babies and young children and gives you the basic knowledge, skills and strategies you need to get started.  Age-specific guides offer advice on signing with children from birth to age three and beyond.

Part 2 is a dictionary of 350 ASL signs, each clearly illustrated, with tips on how to form and remember the signs.  There is space to write the date you introduced each sign to your child, and the date they first signed it back to you.

Part 3 provides some favorite songs and rhymes you can sign with your child.

A special world of communication awaits you, where you will create wonderful memories that will last your family a lifetime.