Recently, we wrote an article examining some tips for signing with your baby. In this article, we cover more keys to succeed with baby sign language to ensure you succeed in teaching your child to sign.

Pay Attention to Baby's Perception

A baby is always perceiving new things. For better success in teaching your baby to sign, be alert to what your child is perceiving. If you are aware of what your child is perceiving, you will know what to sign when. By the time your baby's eyes and gazes start to connect with yours, he is ready to start the learning process. Get down on your baby’s level, literally and figuratively. When we are aware of what our children perceive, we are better communicators and teachers.

Babies have different types of perceptions, each presenting a new chance to teach a new sign. Your child may have a need or express a feeling or desire. For example, if your child finishes drinking his milk, he may express that he wants "more." The very moment you notice this expression would be an opportune time to make the sign for "more." Often, it is clear that you and your baby are making a connection. You may look at each other at the same time. When you make this type of connection, your child is receptive to what you have to say. Be sure to recognize this as an an opportunity to introduce a sign. Other times, you and your baby will perceive the same object, like the family dog. This is obviously a great time to sign "dog." One technique to help direct your child's attention is to make the sign in front of the thing you are signing about. Or, You can sign with that object on your child’s body!

All in the Family

One of the key factors for success in in teaching baby sign language is to get others involved in the process. It is extremely important for your friends and family to take part in the process. If you are like most parents, lots of people participate in caring for your child. These people play a key role in the development of your child. Most children have regular contact with other family members. In our family, we could not get by without help from wonderful grandparents. So, keep signing "all in the family" and get the entire family involved in the process (especially Grandaddy and Grandmother).

In lots of households today, both mom and dad work full time and leave the baby at daycare. Such children will have a huge advantage in learning to sign if their daycare workers are involved in the process. A baby’s daycare workers and baby sitters are part of his extended family. Make sure your child's extended family knows you are teaching him to sign and show them the signs you are working on at any given time. At the very least, they should know some basic signs that your child uses on a regular basis and participate in teaching those signs. If they refuse to participate with signing, you should find another daycare.

Attitude is Everything!

We think that attitude is important for all aspects of life. As the heading says, "attitutude is everything." One of the most important tips for success in baby sign language is for you to HAVE FUN! Get excited and have a good time when teaching your baby a new word. Signing with your baby is more about attitude and persistence than any specific technique. If you recognize teaching opportunities, and stick with it, your baby will be signing back to you in no time. Please don’t give up if your child does not sign back to you right away. Every child is unique and every child develops at his own pace.

Communicating with your baby should be natural and intuitive. You don’t need to be taught to communicate with your child. Trust your instincts and be expressive when you talk to your child. Your expressions should match your signs. Your child will respond as much to facial expressions and emotions as to most things that are verbalized. Also, don’t get frustrated if your baby does not use perfect technique when he signs. Instead, recognize what he is trying to say and praise him for it. The process should be fun for you and your child. And your child will refine his technique as he continues to develop.

Recently, we posted an article explaining some tips for signing with your baby. In this article, we provide you with more tips and advice to ensure you have a successful and rewarding experience teaching your baby sign language.

Make Signing a Family Affair

One of the most important factors for success in teaching your baby to sign is whether or not others are involved in the process. If you are like most parents, lots of people take part in caring for your child on a daily basis. These people have a big influence on your child. Most children have regular contact with other family members. In our family, we could not get by without regular help from wonderful grandparents. Make signing a “family affair” and get the whole family involved in the process (especially Grandma and Grandpa).

In many households today, both parents work full time, while baby is at daycare. Baby will have a huge advantage in learning to sign if his daycare workers are involved in the process. Baby’s daycare workers and babysitters are part of his extended family. Make sure your child's extended family knows that you are teaching him to sign and show them the signs you are working on with your baby. In the least, they should know some of the basic signs he uses on a regular basis and be willing to be involved in teaching those signs. If they refuse to get involved with signing, consider finding a new daycare or sitter. As for your actual relatives, insist they take part in the teaching process. If Grandma is watching baby, she needs to know when baby is "all done". Otherwise, baby will be confused as to why Grandma doesn’t understand him.

Perceive Baby's Perception

A child is constantly seeing and perceiving new things. For better success with baby sign language, you should be alert to your child’s perceptions. If you notice what your child is perceiving, you will know when and what to sign. By the time his eyes and gazes start to connect with yours, baby is ready to begin signing. Get down on your baby’s level, literally and figuratively. If you are aware of what your child perceives, you will be a better teacher (and caregiver).

Your baby has different types of perceptions, each presenting a chance for a new sign. Your child may have a need or want to express a feeling or desire. For example, if your child finishes drinking his milk, he may “express” that he wants more. The moment that you recognize this perception is a great time to sign more. Sometimes, it is clear that your baby perceives you. You and your child may look at each other at the same time. When you make this type of contact with your baby, he is ready for what you have to say. Recognize this as an opportunity to introduce a sign. At other times, it will be clear that you and your baby are perceiving the same thing. For example, you may both be focused on the family dog. Obviously, this is great time to sign the word dog. One technique to help direct what your child will notice is to use a sign in front of the object you are signing about. Or, you can even sign with the item on your baby’s body!

Have Fun!

As with all activities, a key element for success with baby sign language is attitude. As the caption says, Have Fun! Get excited and have a good time with your baby when you are showing him a sign. Teaching your child how to sign is more about attitude and persistence than any scientific technique. If you recognize teaching opportunities, and you stick with it, your baby will be signing before you know it. So don’t get frustrated if baby is not signing back to you right away. Remember, every child is different and every child learns and responds at his own pace.

Communication with your baby will be intuitive and natural. You don’t need a book to make a connection with your child. Trust your instincts and be expressive when you communicate with your child. Match your expression with your sign. Children respond as much to emotions and facial expressions as to anything that may be verbalized. And don’t get frustrated if your baby does not make the perfect sign. Rather, recognize what he is trying to say and applaud him for it. The process should be fun for both you and baby. Your baby will refine his technique as he continues to develop.