In this day and age when so many of our children are overexposed to television, video games, computers and cell phones, children run the risk of never developing the ability to be effective communicators. Sign language encourages children to make eye contact, to be aware of subtle facial expressions, and bodily gestures and to be better listeners - all important elements to effective and successful communication. By teaching your children sign language, you are giving them the gift of effective communication while at the same time having tons of fun.
The benefits of signing are endless. Sign language can enhance the bond between parent and child, and promote early communication. By teaching your baby sign language you are empowering your child with a means with which to communicate his thoughts. A baby’s brain is ready for language much earlier than the vocal chords are ready to speak. In other words, a baby understands and can communicate his needs and desires if you provide him with a mode of communication that is not reliant on vocal chords. Sign language empowers babies to express their feelings and needs, therefore reducing frustration and promoting comprehension, which leads to a much happier and respectful relationship between parent and child.
2 comments:
One of my favorite benefits of teaching my toddler signs is that at 22 months she still uses the sign for no instead of that obnoxious word so many toddlers love to use "NO!"
It is remarkable to me how many of my twentysomething peers struggle with communication and I believe it has a lot to do with the reasons mentioned in this blog post. Public speaking is hard for many people but appropriate hand gestures always seem to engage listeners and allow the speaker another means of communication when they are having trouble articulating what they are trying to express. Perhaps if more parents adopted this form of communication in conjunction with television, video games, cell phones, internet, etc. (instead of eliminating them altogether), younger generations of children can determine what forms of communication they are most comfortable with and then communicate more effectively.
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