My child is speaking really well now, so there’s no point in signing with them any more, right? Well, there’s no exact answer here. But there are lots of reasons to continue signing, not the least of which includes a greater interest in reading!
Here are four:
(1) It's so fun! Many children relate better, at times, to a visual, quiet language better than spoken language, because they are a visual learner and not as much an auditory learner. This is especially true for children new to Canada and haven’t mastered English yet.
(2) Parents and caregivers like grandparents or babysitters can sign during the routine of the day, in order to signal quietly to children when it is snack time or clean-up time. Often children will follow the lead of a caregiver who signs for a minute or two (without voice) better than if they were spoken to.
(3) Sign language with hearing children has been proved to help with English language development. Several studies over many years have shown that signed-to children have a much better vocabulary in English, and that the vocabulary-building benefits stay with them for many years even into elementary school years!
(4) Literacy readiness – signing helps children get ready to read. Using the manual alphabet is a wonderful way to get kids excited about the 26 letters . . . even if it is only to ‘show off’ how to spell their name in sign language!
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