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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I use American Sign Language with my hearing child when he is already developing normally?
A. Using American Sign Language (ASL) with your baby/ child can:
•Enrich your parent - infant bond.
•Accelerate verbal language development
•Increase his IQ.
•Increase her interest in books.
•Change the way you interact with him.
•Avert temper tantrums.
•Enable her to communicate with peers who are hearing-impaired or have other disabilities
•Empower him to communicate earlier (8-9 months old), expressing his wants, needs, and feelings.
•Stimulate intellectual development.
•Reduce frustration.
•Build self-esteem.Q. How long will it be before my baby signs to me?
A. It depends, but if you begin signing when your child is 7 months old it is quite possible that by the time your child reaches 8-9 months he/she will be signing to you. It takes about a month because it's necessary for your child to learn that the signs represent an object or person. Once they have internalized the meanings of the signs, they will communicate to you. This process is similar to a child learning speech as well.Q. Does using sign language with babies interrupt or delay their speech development?
A. Actually, research states the opposite is true. Using American Sign Language with your child can accelerate their speech development.Q. Why does KidSign only offer 3 sessions?
A. We believe parents are their children's best and most important teachers. Once you have the basic understanding, vocabulary, and know some signs and strategies, then you're ready to work with your child on your own. Of course you are welcome to take a refresher course or call or email us with questions. We want to stay in touch with you to see how your child is progressing.Q. Do I have to learn an entire new language?
A. No, not in our sessions. We teach you skills, strategies, and signs that will be helpful for you and your child in the development of langauge. You also learn characteristics of American Sign Language to help facilitate your child's understanding. We don't overload you with unecesssary information. We just teach you the important stuff. One of the most important things to remember is, this is fun. Learning how to sign is simple and natural because of the visual nature of it. For example, the sign for "milk" looks like you are milking a cow. It is easy to remember the sign for a word because of this.Q. Why can't we begin KidSign sessions until my baby is 7 months old?
A. Babies not accustomed to seeing signs before this age do not have the abilities that are necessary to remember the signs you are showing them. They also do not possess the fine motor skills needed to produce a sign.