Learning to sign: teaching babies American Sign Language

"I think that cut down a lot of frustration, because he was able to tell me what he needed and I was able to help him with that," Cora Demike, the parent of a toddler who uses American Sign Language tells NewsCenter 16.

"If a child can't communicate what they want to you, they're going to throw a temper tantrum. But if at 3 1/2 or even at 10 months old or eleven months old, they can sign ‘milk’ and you know exactly what they want and you can respond appropriately to that there’s no reason to throw that temper tantrum," says Karen Horvath, a signing parent and American Sign Language instructor.

Some research suggests teaching sign language can help prevent child abuse, since it cuts down on the frustration a parent can experience.

Also, children who learn sign language begin to speak earlier than their peers who don't.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: First Time Mommy Location: PA on Apr 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I totally agree with Karen & the wonderful benefits of using ASL with children. I have been using it with my son since he was born & now, at 8 months, he is signing to me! It is not only a wonderful way for him to let us know what he needs & wants, but we have also created a very special bond with our son! :) We will continue to use ASL with our son & will encourage other parents to do the same! :)

Posted by: Samantha Location: Indianapolis on Apr 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM
To all those who are critics to the process Karen has graciously presented to you...ASL is not a subsitute for "real" language skills, but an enhancement for communication. Not everyone can speak...not everyone can communicate their needs. ASL communication for babies is a way to help us help them. I too am a mother and look for "signs" for what my baby wants...but a true sign would be much better. Think about how you communicate...do you move your hands? Can you keep them still?? How effective are you if you try not to use your hands? On some level...we all sign. What Karen is doing is helping expedite the process for small children (many with disablities) enable us to understand. Who can argue with that? Kudos to you Karen. Keep on keepin on...

Posted by: Kristy Location: New Jersey on Apr 11, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I am a SLP who is actually finishing a research study in which is proving that ASL is effectively assisting hearing infants with their language development. And it's a wonderful tool for parent-child interaction!! Just love it! And I wish all parents the best who choose to bring their children up bilingually.

Posted by: Garlene Location: Mississippi on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Hi.My daughter has severe hearing loss, and she has worn hearing aids since age 4. About a week and a half ago, she got really bad sores in her ears, and she couldn't stand to wear her hearing aids. For the first time, I felt at such a loss because I did not know how to communicate with her.She learned how to sign a few words in pre-school, and she had a class last year at school, where she learned to sign a few more words.She knows way more words than I do, but I am learning.She has struggled so much in her life, and whether she signs to me, or speaks, I am in constant awe of her.She has the most determination.I think ASL being taught to babies, is total genius. My daughter was diagnosed at 4, and I am sure that if not for the love and patience of her pre-school teacher(who knew sign language, and helped her), my daughter probably wouldn't be speaking today.She could connect the sign and the word,and that is how she learned.So,my hat is off,to these teachers,who help so many children.

Posted by: Stephanie on Apr 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM
What a gift to give your child a second language at such an early age, especially if it helps them communicate their needs to their parents. I taught my son to sign. It helped us IMMENSELY because he always told me what he wanted and I didn't have to play guessing games. He just turned two now and has an extensive spoken vocabulary, which I attribute to his signing. The studies have shown that kids DO speak earlier and more when they have learned sign. If you stimulate the language center of their brain in TWO modalities, (spoken language and singed langauge), then of course they are going to use these languages earlier! I really don't understand the "deal with it" mentality of some of the other commenters. Why would you "deal with it" if you don't have to? I teach ASL at the high school level, and my son can converse easily with my teenage students at the age of TWO. What's not to love about signing with your baby?!?!?!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 8, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I have read some of the comments on this board. While I am not a Speech and Language Pathologist, I do have some knowledge of the anatomy of the body, musculature, and brain development. I wold like to emphasize a comment left by someone that in an infant, it is hard for the brain to coordinate the small muscle groups that make oral communication possible, tongue control is not matured, and the tiny brain is still developing. It is common sense that the larger muscle groups become more coordinated "controlled" that smaller muscle groups. Using sign language gives a way for a child to convey their needs/wants . When coupled with voice communication, this is a great addition to the child's development.

Posted by: Jen Location: Massachusetts on Apr 7, 2008 at 08:51 PM
My husband and I taught our daughter to sign (ASL) over 20 years ago when she was an infant. We have all signed ever since. Although she had medical and cognitive issues she still learned to speak and read earlier than most of her classmates. 20 years later we all still sign and now I have the blessing of teaching other parents.The effort we put into signing has returned to us 100X over. PS When my daughter was in 6th grade she met a girl who is deaf. They have been best friends ever since. This is a wonderful friendship she never would have experienced had she not been able to sign.

Posted by: Lynn Location: Waterford on Apr 7, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I just wonder, how frustrated are these tots when they get out in the real world and discover that not everyone knows, or is interested in spending the time learning- or has arthritis and can't manage, ASL? Frustration is a part of life- you gotta' DEAL WITH IT sooner or later.

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Apr 7, 2008 at 06:46 PM
I don't know a lot about ASL and am pretty much learning what I can here. I can see that if taught properly with an emphasis on the spoken word along with the sign how this could be a reinforcement of the word and help the child learn faster. I can also see if taught incorrectly it could be very confusing for the child. So I think thats why we see some in favor and some not. But I do want to make one observation to those who say it lessons the frustation of trying to understand their child.I have 2 children and I don't recall all that much frustation in trying to figure out what they wanted because they are my kids and I know them.

Posted by: Another Momma on Apr 7, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Educated, too, since some of you assume disagreement is a sign of ignorance. ASL is a terrific tool for communicating with those who cannot communicate any other way. But from what I've seen, it seems that-from the kid's point of view- it often is so much more convenient that they don't feel the need to start speaking. My sister tried it with her daughter after raising her son the traditional way and it was a complete disaster. The child eventually grew past this period of her life, but it wasn't beneficial in anyway--for her. What really concerns me is that we are taking natural frustration out of children's lives, thereby avoiding teaching them the most valuable lesson of life-SOMETIMES THINGS DON'T GO OUR WAY! Look at the terrible things in our society because of all the people who failed to learn they can't have everything their own way&right away! By all means, use ASL if it works for you & good luck with it-all kids are different, but remember to teach them life lessons, too.

Posted by: Tiffany Location: St. Paul on Apr 7, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Great video story! It's wonderful to seeing baby signing getting more attention and media support, since it is so beneficial for babies and toddlers, for communication, speech, and vocabulary and literacy development! Thank you for covering this story!

Posted by: Monta Location: San Diego on Apr 7, 2008 at 12:45 PM
After I used sign language with my children, a felt a duty to share this with as many parents as possible through teaching classes and writing books on the subject. Not only did signing create calmness in our household because I was able to meet my children's needs before they (or I) became frustrated, but it also opened up a wonderful world of communication from a very early age (daughter was signing at 9 months, son at 6 months). The special bond this created would not have been possible otherwise. Both of my children have always been light-years ahead in their peers in spoken language ability. Their pediatrician and teachers have always been very impressed and agree that the signing has clearly given them an advantage over their peers (they are not 4 and 8 years old). Best of all, signing is just so much fun!: ) Monta Briant Sign2Me Presenter, San Diego Author: "Baby Sign Language Basics" and "Sign, Sing, and Play!" Phone: 619-987-4834 www.babysignlanguage.net

Posted by: Jenny on Apr 7, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I am so glad I signed with my son. His early spoken language was very textbook, if not slightly advanced, so he was certainly not slowed by signing. At his peak, he had over 300 signs. I can't imagine how much I would have missed if we hadn't signed with him. At 19 to 20 months, he suddenly started working on converting his signs to spoken language, so he skyrocketed to hundreds of words of spoken vocab, which is way above normal. There is no way I could have guessed everything he told me no matter how in tune I could have been. Regarding those worried about teaching sign as his first language, I always spoke when I signed, so he was still learning English first. If I had only signed to him and never talked, I would worry about his language development. Signing is great, and can definitely help our kids. Thank you for helping more people learn about it.

Posted by: Angie on Apr 7, 2008 at 12:22 AM
ASL has been an incredible blessing in my home with my children as well as in my childcare home with the children I care for. ASL has proved very beneficial for all of the children ranging from birth through school age. I am most impressed with the children around 18 months of age. They are learning new signs everyday. They also have incredible spoken vocabularies and are beginning to learn songs, ryhmes, and stories. This is something you would not expect of a child until sometime after 2 years of age. WOW! This is a must have skill for parents. Happy Signing!

Posted by: Tricia Location: Mishawaka on Apr 6, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Thanks for doing such a great story!Hopefully these children's early exposure to sign language will encourage them later in life to study American Sign Language in depth. It could open up a whole new world to them! Education in American Sign Language could have positive effects both short-term and long-term.

Posted by: April Location: Saginaw on Apr 6, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I love this story. I have been signing with my three youngest boys from birth. It helped their vocabulary skills and assisted in communication before they could verbalize. We continue to use it. I can communicate with my children across a crowded room without yelling. They can ask me questions or tell me they need to go to the restroom in church without making a sound. It is a useful and beautiful language.

Posted by: Karrington's Mom (smile) Location: South Bend on Apr 6, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Thanks for checking out our story! If you've made it this far, 'd love to invite you to our signing story time at Notre Dame's Bookstore this Tuesday (April 8th) at 11:00 and 1:00. So, if you are looking for something to do to spice up that Spring Break....come sign with us! Looking for opportunities to learn? We have two workshops and several play dates coming up soon. For more information on events, classes, private tutoring, preschool programs, school/library/community event presentations, sign language interpreting services, or early intervention for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing children, email me (Karen) at NICEinterpreter@sbcglobal.net or call NICE at 574-232-9255 by voice or video phone. Thanks again for all of the support! Why wait to communicate? Sign with your baby (toddler, preschooler, child or anyone else for that matter), today! Visit us at www.sign2me.com Happy Signing! Karen Horvath CT, CI, IIC, SKI-HIPA, InSource RPR & Certified Sign2Me Presenter

Posted by: Todd Location: Mishawaka on Apr 6, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Do your research before speaking poorly. Babies and toddlers have the ability of learning up to 4 languages before the age of 7 I believe it is. ASL does not confuse or harm them...it is a good thing!

Posted by: Becca Location: Wichita on Apr 6, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I have heard before that ASL helps ease frustration as well encourage earlier language development. Thank you for taking the time to cover this awesome subject and encourage more mothers to help their children learn to sign. What awesome personal examples of the benefit of teaching ASL at such a young age.

Posted by: Joe on Apr 6, 2008 at 08:55 AM
That is the stupidest thing i have ever heard. Usually the parent does not have a idea what the kid wants is because mom and dad are still kids too. Trust me you will never get to be a CEO of a company with good signing skills!!!

Posted by: Laurie Location: Niles on Apr 5, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Sign language is used at the same time as verbal language, so it is mostly used to reinforce what is spoken. It is very complicated for children to coordinate the muscles to pronounce words. Anyways, there is a great story at http://growingyourbaby.com/2008/03/10/amazing-17-month-old-toddler-knows-how-to-read/ about a 17-month toddler who can read, and her parents credit it to being taught sign language since the day she was born.

Posted by: Birgit Location: Austin on Apr 5, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I just wanted to comment on the "a mama" who says ASL is just silly. This lady (who did not even want to give her name) is not very well educated! ASL has been shown to increase vocabulary - a signing toddler of 2 has the vocabulary of a 3 year old, research study has shown! Isn't that amazing. Signing Kindergarteners are better readers and spellers. Do you still think after reading this that ASL is just silly and of no use after baby starts talking? Thanks for reading this comment from a Sign2me ASL instructor.

Posted by: Tonya Sailors Location: Kewanna on Apr 5, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I have seen a few of the negative comments on here, regarding the use of sign language with babies and toddlers. The one thing that some people may be misunderstanding. This is NOT substituting one language for another. This is ADDING another language. When teaching sign language to a baby or toddler, you also SPEAK the word clearly AS you are showing the sign to the child. That way the child has the benefit of having a sign AND the spoken word. The baby/toddler then learns what the word sounds like, and the sign. The thing that irritates me the most about some parents is the use of baby-talk, for instance, not saying the word correctly. If all the baby hears is the babytalk that is the only way the baby knows how to say it when they start speaking. Annunciation is the key. If they don't know how to annunciate a word correctly, how are they going to be at spelling and sounding out words in order to read? Its no different than our country wanting us all to learn SPANISH!

Posted by: Angela on Apr 4, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Thanks for doing the story. Most importantly is the continued education about the fact that ASL is a language just as English!

Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Seems to me all your doing is substituteing one language for another and it isn't it usually the first language learned that is the easiest for a person to use when they get older. I think it's great to teach your child everything you can but like granger and anon both pointed out earlier in this stream teaching them ASL before they can speak properly can be very confusing for them.

Posted by: A mama on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I'm a little startled at such silliness. Not the sign language itself, but the idea that someone had to come along and tell people how to be parents. Like most parents for centuries, I just automatically watched my infant's body language to figure out when they needed something- and since I was the parent I usually had a pretty good idea what it was. As soon as they made sounds like words, I demanded they try to talk when they wanted something-even if it didn't sound quite right. My first child learned to talk earlier than my second. All children are a little different. If you have the time to spend learning ASL, then go for it, but keep in mind all you are doing is replacing one language with another. The child has to learn things which very shortly be of little use. The important thing is to pay attention to the expressions and indications your baby is already making. You'll figure out what they are indicating rather quickly if you just spend the time with your baby God intends.

Posted by: Kathy Location: North Liberty on Apr 4, 2008 at 05:46 PM
I think this is great, ASL should be taught in all schools, as is, any other language. My husband & I are also learning ASL to communicate with Kara, it's good to know a 2nd language, and you never know when it will may just come in handy in everyday life. Please check out www.sign2me.com its a great site, research it, & support it. We greatly encourage it!!

Posted by: Lee Location: Shipshewana on Apr 4, 2008 at 02:29 PM
We used ASL with our baby and felt it also helped our child be even tempered and calm because they were able to communicate. Plus it was a great way to interact with our child! So fun to see a glimpse of what was going on in their little mind! I would encourage every parent to do this with your child.

Posted by: Mike on Apr 4, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Go to www.sign2me.com and click on classes, then click on Indiana, then Baby Steps 2 Communication for more local class info. There is a workshop this Saturday at Logan. The research is linked on the website. The speech delay myth is just that...if you doubt it find the research to support it. Those that speak later tend to do so because they would have anyway or have additional issues related to speech or communication delay and it is not related to the signing. Speech apraxia, ect....

Posted by: Stacy Location: Here on Apr 4, 2008 at 11:52 AM
http://www.mybabycantalk.com/index.aspx This website is great to learn some basic signs. It has a dictionary of signs with a video demonstration. My daughter started signing when she was about 7-8 months old. She is now 18 months and her verbal vocabulary is amazing. We speak everything we sign so that she can learn the verbal along with signing.

Posted by: Angie Location: Mishawaka on Apr 4, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I fully support this practice. I think it is so important to teach our children all we can, whether ASL, Spanish, etc.

Posted by: KERI Location: St. Joseph on Apr 4, 2008 at 09:36 AM
My daycare started teaching my youngest daughter sign language. It is so easy to teach. My oldest daughter (4) even helps me w/ it. This is something that is wonderful for single parents!

Posted by: Mary Location: SB on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:57 AM
My children attend Junior Daycare and they just implemented a sign language program about a month ago. My 4 yr old and 1.5 yr old are learning to sign very well. I think its great!

Posted by: Nicole Location: South Bend on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:54 AM
We taught our daughter sign language and she loves using it and it is a lot of fun to see how fast she picks up on signs now. Even though she is 15 months and still does not talk at least she has a way to communicate with us and let us know what she wants which has been more than helpful.

Posted by: Megan Location: SB on Apr 4, 2008 at 08:51 AM
When and where are these classes? If anyone knows please let me know. I would love to take this class with my son!

Posted by: Terry Location: Mish on Apr 4, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Teach children everything that we can, from which end of the screwdriver to use to sign language. We went on line and taught are children. the info has been out there for ever if you look for it.

Posted by: anon Location: sb on Apr 4, 2008 at 06:56 AM
That is the stupidest thing I ever heard. My brother and his wife taught their kid sign language. Well, the kid was all confused and still signed even after he learned how to talk. Kids cry, get over it!

Posted by: Juliane Location: South Bend on Apr 4, 2008 at 06:31 AM
We used some simple signs with our toddlers (5 years ago) and it was wonderful, and the practice did not delay interest in or ability with speech. Books are available at the library and other resources can be found through the internet.

Posted by: Shirley Location: Goshen on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I began using sign language with my first child when she was six to seven months old. It doesn't have to be the exact American Sign Language, just signals that you both know and know what they mean. By the time she was 18 mon