learning to use a sign language 89
Learning to sign
When your child sees people around her using sign language to
communicate she will begin to use signs herself. Remember that some
signs are easier to use than others.
When a child learns to sign, she first learns
where to put her hands. Then she learns to move
her hands in the right way and, finally, to shape
her hand and fingers correctly.
This shape
is easier.
This shape is
more difficult.
Your child is not going to make every sign exactly right. At first, you may
not even be able to understand the sign. But praise her for trying, and do
not be too anxious about her signing clearly.
Ways to encourage your child to begin using signs
1. Watch for the messages she is already
sending through gestures, sounds, and
expressions on the face.
2. Give her the sign
for the message
she is sending.
Drink.
3. Emphasize the sign, and repeat it several
times. Encourage her to imitate you.
If she tries to imitate you,
Drink?
praise her. If she does not
make the sign in the right
way, do not correct her.
Instead, simply repeat the
correct sign.
That’s right,
Fatima, drink!
4. When your child has learned a sign,
encourage her to use it often. Find
ways to include it in your everyday
activities.
Dolly
drinks!
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)