A Window Into Language Development

When using sign language with your baby, it opens up a window into her world that you would not otherwise be privy to.  A perfect example happened today with my 13 month old daughter.  I was commenting to my husband about getting some much needed “Zzzzzzz” while holding my daughter.  She proceeded to sign the word “cheese”.  It makes perfect sense this is what she thought I said because they both sound very similar.  But she only understands and has meaning for the word “cheese” and that was the closest word in her vocabulary that matched what I had said.  Another good example was one day when she was sitting in her high chair for lunch and I told her to take a “bite”.  Again, this was a new word for her, and the only word that matched in her vocabulary was “light” so she proceeded to point to the light above us.

Children are amazing little beings, and this proves that they are avidly listening and attempting to understand the world around them, even at a year old.  Without sign language though, I would not have had any idea that she was paying such close attention, and she would not have been able to communicate to me her misunderstanding about the words I had used.  From this valuable information I am able to clear up the error and have an opportunity to teach her another new sign.

A note to the reader…

Beware: Watch what you say around your children, as they are always listening!!