Child's Play

Getting Started

• Introduce only three or four signs to start with. The most successful seem to be milk, eat, more and bed.
• Use certain signs before an event to enable your child to anticipate
  it (i.e. bath, nappy).
• Repetition is important. Your baby will not sign to you immediately
  but will recognise signs.
• Be patient and don't get frustrated. Signing should be a fun part
  of your everyday interaction.
• Your child's signs may differ from yours. Don't worry; the signs
  will evolve, just like speech.
• Facial expression is important and will help your baby to understand
  the sign.
• There may be signs that your child will never make but will still
  understand perfectly.
• Use the signs in context. The first aim is for your child to make
  a connection between the sign and what it represents.
• Only sign key words, don't try to sign a whole sentence.
• Always say the word when you sign, never sign in silence.
• Introduce signs that have a particular interest for your child.
• Have fun!