Question

The guidelines for the discussion question are as follows:

statements made should be based on reading and research

no opinion! avoid using statements such as "I think", "in my opinion", "I feel", "I believe"

be courteous, respectful and open-minded.

The discussion questions are posted to generate discussion on the topics presented in the chapter. They are critical thinking questions not “what are your thoughts at the moment” questions. Your statements and responses should be based on knowledge gained through reading and outside research of the particular topic-- not statements based on your limited life experience. From this point forth credit will not be given for simply stating opinion. Make sure there is some substance behind your writing. Remember, 4 postings minimum per question.

To Sign or Not to Sign?

Child development experts agree that it is a good idea for parents to begin talking to their babies from the moment of birth. From that moment on, babies are learning language.

Why wait until babies can speak to teach them to communicate with the caregivers? Why not teach them sign language and communicate with them in sign language when they are 4 or 6 months old??

Controversial at the time it was first suggested a few years ago, teaching babies to sign has plenty of supporters and lots of companies willing to train you and your baby to sign. In fact, the only detractors come from those who fear that parents may feel under pressure to learn sign language in order to make sure their babies get the claimed “jump start” on language development.

Among the benefits are exposures to making language six months or more before most children speak their first word (usually at 12 months) thus enabling babies to express themselves. Experts say babies and caregivers are less frustrated because they can express their needs and wishes. It is also believed that signing babies become more adept at spoken language earlier. Some suggest that IQ scores are higher among babies who signed before speaking by as many as 10-12 points.

What is your take of this idea? Have you ever heard of it? Would you want to learn sign language in order to teach their babies to sign?

Below are a number of websites to further explore the topic. Look at one or two of them before participating in the discussion.  

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/signing.html#talk

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/baby-sign-language/faq-20057980

http://psychcentral.com/lib/teaching-your-baby-sign-language-can-benefit-both-of-you/

Answer 1

There should be a rather wide spread intervention on the aforementioned text as there is empiric evedience from limited research, which suggests that babies who are trained in sign language are more efficient than their verbal communication counterparts.

This goes to further suggest that, frustration levels that most infants experience due to the lack of verbal repertoire within their lexical and expressive communication skills can be thwarted by the aid of the introduction of sign language. This can also help assuage a deeper bond between the babies and the caretakers, as it works around the caretakers general frustration of being able to comprehend the infants demands as well.