You’re probably wondering, “what are the best ASL signs to teach kids?” If you’re wondering about American Sign Language for toddlers or other youngsters, you’re in the right place.
With more than 10 years of teaching reading and reading Literacy strategies, and 33 years of American sign language experiences I’ve created a toolkit to assist you and your toddler on your journey.
Babies can use ASL to start communicating much earlier than the standard 8 to 12 month mark. American Sign Language is a great tool to use to help babies express their needs nonverbally.
You Can Start Simple
The use of simple signs (like pointing) introduces kids to sign language early. This can be true of children who are deaf as well as those who are hearing.
One of the benefits of using American Sign Language for toddlers and younger children is that ASL can help them understand spoken language skill more quickly. Toddlers who develop ASL and English skills simultaneously are actually bilingual. A perfect two for one visual & communication tool set.
Even better, toddlers benefit from the ability to communicate their emotions during the early years, and they are offered an alternative style of communication.
When Should I Teach My Baby to Sign?
Teaching babies to sign should begin early as early as 3 to 6 months old. Teach meaningful signs, use role-playing, and incorporate signs into your daily activities and routines. Parents can also play games of “sign and say” and have the toddlers repeat after them. Reward toddlers for their use of signing often.
The resources are continuously growing.
Develop a Signing Vocabulary
As toddlers begin to develop their signing vocabulary bank, it’s a great idea to focus on these First 100 Signs for Beginners. This is a great resource with videos that are free to assist you in learning and building your vocabulary.
Dr. Bill Vickers created an awesome PDF spreadsheet for you to download and to use to keep track of your sign language vocabulary bank. You can use this bank with your toddler as a way to have a checkpoint, and to keep track of what signs you have learned together.
You can find more awesome resources for very young learners at babysignstoo.com
Additional Resources: Books, Games, & More!
Another helpful way to learn and incorporate American Sign Language for toddlers and young children is to read children’s books.
Eric Carle’s “The very hungry caterpillar” is a great place to start. This book has great visuals, it incorporates colors, foods, numbers, and the days of the week. Repeated readings and signing in these categories is a great way to practice and incorporate useful sign language for toddlers.
Another great book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” This book offers children an opportunity to practice and learn signs for animals and colors.
Online Sign Language for Babies, Toddlers, & Children
Of course, there are ASL resources produced daily.
ASO is a great app for kids, which includes visuals of kids signing vocabulary words for different categories. It also includes a quiz and a review of the ASL Athol alphabet.
Games like I Spy can be used to learn different things around the house like clothes, colors, and many other things that you use and see daily.
Remember, American Sign Language isn’t English
Remember That ASL is a language that is understood visually, as opposed to spoken English.
American Sign Language can be an invaluable tool for children who experience autism, who may have learning disabilities, or who struggle with communication skills, and may be nonverbal. The beauty of this language is that you are able to express yourself using body language, facial expressions, hand gestures, and movements. All without the frustration of not being able to communicate through spoken language.
Amber Foster