| An increasing number of families are realizing the | | | | for BALL actually looks like a ball! This is true for |
| benefits of introducing their children to second (or | | | | many signs. |
| more) languages from an early age. In this day in age | | | | - Signs serve as bridges helping children to find |
| it is becoming more and more possible to raise children | | | | commonalities between language - In other words, a |
| bilingually. What an incredible gift! | | | | child may learn very early on that when you put your |
| Choosing and sticking with a plan for what is best for | | | | hands together (like the sign fore MORE) that means |
| your family in regards to how to go about creating a | | | | MORE! When you ask your child in the second |
| bilingual home life can be quite challenging. When I | | | | language “Quieres Mas?” the first several |
| bring up signing with a baby/child, a concern I often | | | | times you might get a look from your child like |
| hear from parents who speak more than one | | | | “huh?!” But if you say “Quieres Mas?” |
| language at home is “Will adding yet another | | | | while signing that familiar sign MORE, a lightbulb will go |
| language to the mix (American Sign Language) be too | | | | on!! Instead of “huh?” your child will likely be |
| much? Won’t this be confusing for my child?!” | | | | thinking “I’m really not sure what mom just |
| While this is a very natural way to feel, the answer is | | | | said, but I know that sign means MORE and yes, I |
| NO! In fact, using ASL signs with a child of any age | | | | want MORE!” Over time as he hears “Quieres |
| who is learning more than one spoken language | | | | Mas?” and simultaneously sees the sign MORE, he |
| actually aids in the acquisition of the second | | | | will connect meaning to the phrase, increasing |
| language. This happens for a couple of reasons: | | | | understanding and thus use of the new language. |
| - Signs serve as a visual cue of the new word’s | | | | Adding signs to the mix will not confuse your child! It |
| meaning - Signs are often visually representative of | | | | facilitates the process of understanding and using a |
| the concept they represent. For example, when you | | | | new language. The is not only true for babies but for |
| sign BALL and say “pelota”, the sign is a great | | | | older children as well! This is just one of the many |
| cue as to the meaning of the word because the sign | | | | benefits of signing with a child! |