The Benefits of Toddlers Learning Sign Language
Being a parent of a child with hearing loss can be challenging. However, it’s important to remember that there are many effective ways to support your child’s development. One method that we are going to talk about today is the benefits of toddlers learning sign language. Not only can learning sign language aid in communication, but it also provides numerous other benefits that can positively impact your child’s development.
As a mother of two children with hearing loss, I know that communication can be tough sometimes!
In the beginning your kids have big feelings and thoughts, yet, they don’t have the language to express it all to you.
We definitely saw our share of crying out of frusteration from our toddlers!
To mitigate some of that frusteration, we starting to teach our toddlers ASL signs. This worked well for our family to “bridge the gap” in communication until our kids learned how to express themselves verbally.
Even today we still use sign language as my second child primarily uses ASL to communicate with us!
Whether or not your child has cochlear implants or hearing aids, learning sign language can be beneficial for your family.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various benefits of teaching your toddler sign language.
Benefits of toddlers learning sign language
Introducing sign language at a young age not only empowers toddlers with a robust form of communication but also lays the foundation for a series of holistic developmental advantages.
The impact of sign language extends far beyond communication. It also contributes to cognitive growth, emotional development, and social skills.
Whether your toddler is hearing-impaired or not, the introduction of sign language can be a transformative tool. It enhances their comprehension, self-expression, and connection with the world around them. Let’s delve into these benefits in detail!
Improved Communication
One of the most significant benefits of teaching your toddler sign language is the access to language it offers.
By using sign language, children with hearing loss can visually communicate with their parents, siblings, friends, and caregivers. Using signs effectively bridges the gap that hearing limitations may present.
Studies have consistently shown that early exposure to sign language can effectively promote language development in young children with hearing loss.
This enhanced language proficiency not only facilitates effective communication but also fosters greater confidence and social interaction in deaf or hard of hearing children.
Improved Cognitive and Motor Skills
Children who learn sign language at a young age can benefit immensely from improved motor skills and cognitive development.
By regularly engaging in sign language, they can strengthen the connections between the left and right hemispheres of their brain, leading to even more enhanced non-verbal and verbal communication skills.
Moreover, the use of hand gestures and movements in sign language can effectively enhance fine motor skills in toddlers, fostering their overall growth and development.
With these advantages, early exposure to sign language becomes an invaluable tool for empowering children and nurturing their holistic development.
No Communication Gaps
Parents of toddlers with hearing loss often face considerable anxiety when they struggle to communicate effectively with their children.
However, with the use of sign language, a child can ensure that they will be understood clearly by their parents or caregivers, eliminating any potential communication gaps or misunderstandings.
This clear and effective form of communication plays a vital role in creating a safe and positive environment, fostering an atmosphere where the toddler can thrive and reach their full potential in their overall development.
By embracing sign language as a means of communication, parents can provide their child with the tools to navigate the world confidently and build strong connections with their loved ones.
Teaching your toddler sign language is not only beneficial for their communication skills but can also have a positive impact on their overall development and social-emotional wellbeing.
I highly recommend to check out the free resources on the Clerc Center website, which is connected to Gallaudet University. The center provides parents with an exceptional amount of resources to learn sign language with your child!
Parents of children with hearing loss who choose to teach their toddlers sign language set the foundation for better communication and cognitive development.
It is a considerable investment in their child’s future, and the benefits of signing with toddlers speak for themselves!
More REsources for Sign Language
