Page 18 - Riverstones Room

Sign Language

Sign language provides the ability to communicate earlier than speech.
Infants from about six months of age can begin to learn the basic signs,
which cover objects and concepts such as “milk”, “eat”, “sleep” and “all
done”. These signs are commonly used to alleviate the communication gap
and reduce potential frustrations.

Earlier communication can provide psychological benefits, such as enhanced
confidence and self esteem. Babies and children feel better about themselves
when they are able to effectively communicate with the people around
them. Parents also feel more confident if they are able to meet their child’s
needs and wants.

Learning sign language aids in speech development and language skills. Baby
sign language helps children develop some of the mental processes that are
used when speaking. Studies have also shown that signing can lead to
greater vocabularly growth.

Signing with your baby is a wonderful bonding experience. While signing, the
parent or teacher of the baby are talking, laughing, touching and
recognising their attempts to see the world together. All of these
interactions can help create a special and invaluable bond with the baby.

Some websites that are helpful when starting to use baby sign.
firstsigns.co.nz
kiwisign.nz
rhymes for sign (phone app)
nzslbabysign.nz

Sign language is something we use alongside our rhythm and rituals here
in the Riverstones room. We encourage you to give them a go at home.
We find the children and kaiako get so much enjoyment out of using sign
language as a form of communication.