learning to use a sign language 97
Using groups of signs
You have been using groups of signs to communicate with your child.
For a child to begin using groups of signs by himself, he needs to know
several signs so he can put them together in different ways.
Ways to encourage your child to put signs together
When your child signs a single sign, encourage him to expand on what
he says. You could:
• expand on the sign
yourself and
encourage him
to copy you.
Can you sign
‘big tree’?
Big tree!
• ask a question
and encourage
her to answer.
That is a pretty
necklace,
Maryam! Who
gave it to you?
• ask your child about what he is doing.
What are you
making, Minh?
House.
What are
you making
it with?
Sticks
and
leaves.
making
what
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)