Topic 10 Page 11

Sentry Page Protection

Unit 3 Student Login

Student Login

Welcome, (First Name)!

Enter Member Area

My Profile Log Out

(Unit 3) Topic 10: Basic Sign Language for Young Children

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

Sign Language Supports Development

Topic 10 Page 11

Fine-Motor Skills

Use of sign language can exercise fine-motor skills in the small muscle groups that control writing, buttoning, tying and more. Sign language signs require specific sets of motions and handshapes to convey visual meaning for words. Using these signs repeatedly can help strengthen fine-motor skills and assist children in other areas such as dexterity and writing skills.

Social Connections

Using sign language to communicate with children from a young age can help to strengthen and develop social connections with their caregivers. Giving them an early method of communication allows for better social connections and social interactions. While signing will not eliminate tantrums, meltdowns, and miscommunication, you may be surprised to learn how much easier it can make some daily interactions.

Speech Delays

If a child does have a speech delay, sign language does have the potential to benefit them. A toddler with a speech delay can use sign language to communicate. Some toddlers may be delayed in speech due to a developmental or physical delay, while others may just be a bit behind in language development. Sign language can give them some communication tools to support their language and social development.

Special Needs

Sign language use with infants prior to speech development, has been shown to have benefits for special needs children. Sign language can help children with difficulty communicating by giving them an alternate option of communication in case learning to speak and process spoken language comes with some degree of difficulty.