1. Signing with Babies and Children - Methodology Presented by Vicki Gilbert BEd (HONS)

2. QUIZ 1.You shouldn’t teach hearing babies to sign True/False 2.Signing will delay a child’s speech True/False 3.You should wait until a baby is 6 months before you start signing to him/herTrue/False 4.Signing reduces frustration and tantrums True/False 5.Signing enables very young children to express their needs and feelings True/False

3. What do we include in the training curriculum? Background relating to sign language and baby signing Use of gestural communication in young children and language acquisition Deaf awareness How to sign? When to sign? What to sign?* What to expect from the children Benefits at different stages Examples of activities to use e.g songs and games * Existing skills and knowledge required from child care professionals (teaching and signing qualification/level of competency)

4. Top Ten Tips Keep it FUN Make eye contact Always SAY the word Show the object or activity Use relevant signs Use facial expressions Always sign correctly REPETITION is the key Be responsive Be patient

5. The Six Stages of Signing 1 Amusement 2 Recognition/Understanding 3 Attempts & Imitation 4 First Sign! (Refer to approximations) 5 Signing Vocabulary increases (pointed gazes) 6 “The Signing Eureka”

6. Approximations Recognising babies attempts at signing Signing in context May use same sign for everything at first May sign one day then stop for a few days or even longer Baby will use them when s/he is ready when the need is great enough Important to praise & reward attempts Common approximations

8. How the brain develops Signing gives the auditory and visual input: Left side of brain processes spoken word i.e the sound Right side processes the image i.e. the sign = 2 places to recall 1 word Evidence – the earlier it’s done the better

9. The difference between speech and language Speech – the sounds we make to form words Language – system of words and non-verbal communication Children are able to process language LONG BEFORE they can speak By using sign language they are often given more complex language to use at an earlier age

10. Benefits of Signing…. …with preverbal children: Allows infants to clearly communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings long before they can speak Signing gives you a window into the child’s mind & personality Enhances bonding Reduces frustration for baby & the adult

11. ….whilst speech is developing: Different ‘stores’ to recall words Aids mispronunciation Helps build vocabulary Enables more complex language to be used Aids expression Accelerated speech development Ideal for children who have difficulty developing speech