Benefits

Many researchers have found that children’s development is greatly aided by early exposure to sign language. Several studies have shown that children speak as early as 3 to 6 months sooner using sign language. Others have also shown that children who learn sign language in combination with spoken language have an easier time learning other languages later in life. In addition, researchers have found that children who use sign language have increased I.Q.s 10% or more. Children who have learned to sign have increased attention spans as well as improved math and physical science skills.

Perhaps even more important than the developmental benefits of sign language, are the benefits it provides to parenting. For years professional Speech Therapists, as well as other educators and counselors, have used sign language with behaviorally and developmentally challenged children. Signing can help maintain behavior, foster self-esteem, increase bonds and decrease stress and tantrums. Offering another way for children to express their needs and thoughts allows them to feel empowered and to interact with their families in positive ways. Children who are exposed to sign language are motivated to listen because the additional stimulation captures their attention and allows them to indicate topics of interest to them. Children tend to enjoy communicating because it becomes more like a game in which the whole family can participate.

Parents may worry that using sign language in combination with spoken language might inhibit learning of English. But professionals agree that this is not the case. Children’s overall language skills increase and retention improve when words are signed as well as spoken. Children like to learn using touch, taste, sound and vision. Adding sign language allows the child one more source of information from which to learn.