Babies and toddlers express themselves by making hand gestures. From signaling what food they want to eat to pointing to toys they want to play with, they use their fingers to communicate. Therefore, it makes sense to teach your little one American Sign Language (ASL), a form of communication that many people use. Here, learn what benefits you can expect from making ASL a part of infant care.

Why Teach Your Toddler American Sign Language

1. Makes Communication Easier

Infants as young as 6 to 10 months old can learn and subsequently use basic signs, such as those for sleeping and eating. Acquiring sign language as a skill helps toddlers communicate from an early age to prevent frustration from trying to tell adults what they want and parents attempting to interpret. It also helps parents gain a quicker understanding of their children’s personalities to expedite the bonding process.

2. Improves Confidence

Babies and toddlers who can communicate clearly thanks to ASL often experience a boost in confidence they will carry with them into their elementary years and beyond. They won’t feel angry about their inability to communicate. They will experience sensations they’ll later recognize as pride and high self-esteem. Improved communication also helps children overcome shyness to enjoy healthier social interactions.

3. Enhances Vocabulary

ASL, as part of infant care, improves vocabulary and comprehension because seeing and hearing words make it easier to retain. Toddlers who learn sign language often have broader vocabularies than those who don’t, and may do better in school because they already have a solid foundation in basic words and phrases.

4. Increases Attention Skills

Better visual communication further helps children in school and in life by increasing their attention skills. These children are usually more observant and therefore better at reading body language and other non-verbal cues, allowing them to understand the feelings, attitudes, and intentions of others. 

Discuss ASL with the infant care experts at Carrier Learning Center to help your child enjoy a well-rounded education in communication. The early childhood education center in Bristol, CT, accepts children between the ages of 6 weeks and 12 years, providing preschool and after-school programs in addition to infant care. Call (860) 589-3000 to enroll your child or learn more about their programs online.