Many child care providers are beginning to teach infants sign language even before they can talk. Sign language can be a good tool to help young infants communicate before they are ready to speak. Most infants do not finish developing the control of the muscles of the mouth and face needed for spoken language until late in the first year, but they may be capable of producing simple signs earlier.
Using sign language helps child care providers recognize and meet infants' needs more easily, which helps infants build trust and secure relationships. Teaching infants sign language also helps them learn that language is meaningful. Even before they talk, they can use signs to share their basic thoughts and needs. This helps them build self-confidence because they are effective at communicating their needs and getting them met.
Teaching sign language may also help very young children begin to develop an accepting attitude toward people with hearing disabilities. By using sign language, young children recognize that people can communicate in different ways, and they have a tool to communicate simple messages with children who cannot hear well.
For more information about language learning, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care section on Language and Literacy in Child Care.
