Language Learning: Is Your Child Ready to Learn Signs?
Morgan Barton CCC-SLP
Before introducing signs to young children or late talkers it is important to consider if they have the prerequisite skills in order to be successful in using signs. So what do you need to look for in your child?
Prerequisite Skills
The following list helps to show if your child is developmentally ready to learn and use sign language:
- Is your child aware of you and do they focus on you when you talk to them?
- Can they imitate other motor movements such as clapping, waving, and using hand motions during songs?
- Do they understand the back and forth component of communicating? This involves listening to a communication partner and then responding.
- Do they understand that the words you use have meaning?
If you feel like your child does not have these prerequisite skills, it’s important to help them develop these skills in order to set them up for success in using signs to express themselves! If you have concerns about your child’s language skills, be sure to contact your child’s pediatrician in order to determine if a language evaluation would be beneficial for your child.
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Visit our website or give us a call at 859-353-3666, and our therapists would love to help!
