In this lesson, we will learn why you should use ASL with babies and children.

Let's start by discussing, what is baby sign language?
Baby sign language refers to using signs to communicate with babies.
Baby sign language is not a separate language, just a simplified use of sign language with infants.
There are parallels to how you speak to a young child. When speaking, you use an actual spoken language, such as English, but adjust the complexity to the age of the child.
We follow the same approach with baby sign language.

In this course, we use real American Sign Language, not made-up or altered signs.
Be skeptical if you see baby sign language taught using made-up or heavily modified signs.
These approaches can be confusing, lack linguistic consistency, and do not honor the cultural integrity of ASL.

Why do we use real American Sign Language?
ASL is a full, natural language used by the Deaf community.
It includes grammar, structure, and culture.
We believe every learner, regardless of age or hearing status, deserves access to real language.

Teaching accurate ASL helps children build a real language foundation, and it fosters respect for the Deaf community.

Deaf children need early access to a natural, fully accessible language.
ASL provides that access when spoken language may not.
Early ASL exposure leads to stronger language, reading, and academic skills.

Hearing children also benefit from using ASL. ASL builds early brain and language development and results in fewer tantrums and less frustration, better social-emotional development, and earlier communication before speech.

Studies show children who learn ASL develop larger vocabularies, use longer sentences, have stronger verbal IQs and reading skills, and experience bilingual brain benefits like improved memory and attention.

How do babies communicate?
Babies naturally use gestures, facial expressions, and body language. They wave, point, mimic, and babble. Signing taps into these natural communication skills before they can speak.

So, when should you start signing with babies and children?
You can start signing to babies as early as birth – just like you talk to a newborn. You should incorporate signing in your interactions with the baby.
Babies as young as 4 months have the dexterity and cognitive ability to begin signing themselves. This is especially true if they have been signed to at a younger age.
But, it’s never too late to start, children and adults benefit from signing at any age!

So who is this course for? This course is for anyone who wants to learn American Sign Language to communicate with babies and children.

The vocabulary and themed lessons in the course are developmentally appropriate for use with children. But this course is designed for adult learners, such as parents, caregivers, educators, or anyone supporting early communication. In the course, you’ll learn ASL vocabulary and phrases that support early communication and development.

In this course, you will learn high-frequency, developmentally appropriate ASL signs.
Practice short phrases to help your child express wants and needs.
And gain confidence using ASL in everyday moments with your children.

We have arranged the course into sections based around the typical routines in a child’s daily lives, including Family Time, Mealtime, Potty Time, Play Time, Bath Time, Bedtime, and Polite Time.
This will enable you to incorporate signing as you communicate with the children in your everyday life.