Here is a collection of my very own Baby Signs^® Stories. And it is growing everyday! The stories are grouped into six broad-headings which are based on the list of Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program.

Using the Baby Signs^® Program Stimulates Intellectual Development!

• Wandering through the house, Shawn looked down on the floor and did the sign for 'light'. I was a little perplexed. Shawn kept at it.  Finally I got it - the tiled flooring was actually reflecting the light on the ceiling there was a blurred image of the light above.......Baby signing allowed me to know what was going on in Shawn's mind, explain to him what he was thinking and definitely affirm him of a good job done. 
• Reading with Shawn one day, I pointed out a train to him. Shawn immediately signed 'tree' instead. Illustrations of four-legged animals are sometimes mistaken for a dog.....Baby signing gives me the opportunity to correct Shawn and teach him new signs.

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program

Using the Baby Signs^® Program Makes Learning To Talk Easier!

• The Baby Signs^® Program aids a child's language development because signing encourages parents/grandparents/caregivers to shower a child with words. For example, when a child does the sign for 'cat', you would inevitably start talking about the cat. "Oh, you see a cat? Where is the cat? Oh, I see it too. Isn't that a nice cat."
• Signing enables you to string some signs together, and this helps your child understand sentences and eventually speak in sentences. For instance, when Shawn signs 'more', I tell him instead, "Shawn say this: Mommy, please give me some more." And Shawn signs 'mommy' followed by 'please' and followed by 'more'.

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program

Using The Baby Signs^® Program Reduces Frustration!

• It was 5 a.m. Shawn woke up crying. I picked Shawn up from his cot and tried to console him. I asked, "Shawn do you want milk?" Shawn immediately signed 'milk'. Just to be sure I waited a little longer. He looked me straight in the eye several times and signed 'milk'. Now I knew Shawn really wanted his milk. He was a happy and contented little boy after that.....Baby signing enabled me to understand the source of Shawn's frustration and meet his need.

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program

Using the Baby Signs^® Program Allows Babies to Share Their Worlds

This is actually my favourite. For me, a glimpse into Shawn's world, what he sees, thinks is amazing. Its great to be able to share Shawn's world with him. And when we share the signs, we share the smiles and laughs as well.

• Out in our garden when he sees a bird and signs 'bird'.....Baby signing tells me what's on his mind.
• When we go for a walk in our neighbourhood, Shawn sometimes signs 'dog' even before he sees a dog.....Baby signing tells me that Shawn remembers seeing a dog here and he is looking out for a dog.
• Once in the car, Shawn signed 'hat'. I couldn't see one. A moment later, I got it. Shawn was referring to a motorcyclist just a few metres away from us wearing a helmet.....Baby signing enabled me to understand Shawn's world and teach him what a hat and helmet is.

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program

Using the Baby Signs^® Program Enhances Infant Self-Esteem!

Because signs enable us parents to understand our child better, it does something to their self-esteem. It encourages them to continue communicating and sharing because they are heard and better still, understood. 

One method I use to teach Shawn signs is by using the Baby Signs^® Concept Cards™. I find this very helpful in getting the message across. And when he gets a sign, I encourage him. Now, that would boost his self-esteem.

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program

Using the Baby Signs^® Program Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond

Signing is truly an enriching experience for both the parent and the child. The Baby Signs^® Program introduces songs and rhymes that can be used to teach and reinforce the use of signs. I do that with Shawn. I particularly like 'Incy-Wincy Spider' accompanied by the actions. I sign when I verbalise this nursery rhyme and Shawn definitely knows what's to come....tickles of course. So fun!

Back to Benefits of the Baby Signs^® Program