Communicating
Mother’s Day, 2007
Originally uploaded by Raspberry World.
Today I was strapping Alex into his car seat as we were leaving the grocery store and he started tapping one hand against his thigh. This is the sign for “dog” in American Sign Language. “Where’s a dog?” I asked, just making conversation.
Then I looked up and saw a big dog sitting in the passenger seat of the SUV parked beside us. Alex was looking right at the dog, making the sign for “dog.”
Things like that are happening more and more frequently. He can use many signs, and he recognizes many, many more. I’ve seen him use the following:
dog
cat
fish
sleep
milk
eat (or food)
car
shoes
more
bath
ball
baby
finished (all done)
I am looking forward to when Alex starts to speak, but it is so cool to be able to communicate now instead of being frustrated (both of us) by a lack of understanding. Not only does he sign to let us know what he wants (milk, food), he also understands what we say more quickly when we use signs along with spoken words.
If you are interested in trying sign language with a baby or toddler, I recommend Signing Time. We only have two of the DVDs (so far), but they are great! I started using a few basic signs with Alex almost a year ago, and he did learn “milk” (his first sign) from me, but most of the signs he knows have come since we started watching Signing Time a few times a week.
Kyla wrote,
Oh, that’s so exciting! I love seeing the evidence of learning. It’s got to be so gratifying as a parent :D
Link | May 14th, 2007 at 5:15 am
Heather wrote,
Susie, that is great! That is a LOT for him to understand and it will help him to communicate with words in the long run. I am sure you have heard or read it but when he does that, I remember hearing that you (and you probably do) can have him TRY to say the word too like “Dog” “where is the dog?” Can you say dog?” and then some day…he will say it. It is sooooo cool to see them grow!!! Happy Mothers day!!!
Link | May 14th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Kristin wrote,
That’s so cool! Now if only I could teach sign language to the dog. :)
Link | May 14th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Marty wrote,
Of course, when he does the sign for “fish”, he usually means the crackers…
Link | May 16th, 2007 at 8:34 pm