At the core of all learning is a trusting and loving relationship. Experience Toddler Curriculum is designed to help teachers support each child’s natural growth and development through responsive care and sensory learning experiences. It is designed to nurture each child’s unique potential and connect with their expanding curiosity about our diverse and beautiful world. Read how you can develop toddler communication skills with sign language.

What is ASL?

ASL stands for American Sign Language, a complete, complex visual language used predominantly by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, not directly derived from English or any spoken language.

Key features of ASL include:

• Visual-Gestural Nature: ASL relies on handshapes, facial expressions, body movements, and spatial grammar to convey meaning. It is a visual-gestural language rather than a written or spoken one.
• Grammar: ASL has its own grammar rules and structure, which can differ significantly from English. For instance, word order and sentence structure may vary.
• Vocabulary: ASL has a diverse vocabulary, with signs representing concepts, actions, emotions, and objects. It continuously evolves and incorporates regional variations.
• Cultural Significance: ASL is not solely a means of communication; it also has cultural significance. Deaf culture, which uses ASL as its primary language, has its own traditions, norms, and social behaviors.
• Accessibility: ASL is a vital tool for the Deaf community, providing accessibility to education, work, social interactions, and everyday communication.

ASL is recognized as a distinct and valuable language, contributing to society’s rich diversity of linguistic and cultural expression. Its recognition and use promote inclusivity and support the rights of Deaf individuals to access information and participate fully in various aspects of life.

While this all sounds overwhelming, toddler signs are really simple gestures and an effective way to develop toddler language and literacy skills.

Why Teach Sign Language to Toddlers?

After understanding a bit more about ASL, you may wonder why we want to teach sign language to toddlers. The Experience Toddler curriculum model features two new sign language words weekly to facilitate language and communication development. Sign language is an excellent way to help children with a speech delay, language delays or other developmental delays, but it also offers many benefits for all children.

Toddlers often do not have the language development skills to communicate so developing non-verbal language skills is important for toddlers. Sign language is a visual language that involves visual and attention skills. Both are important for learning and social interactions. Children naturally gravitate to the use of hand gestures and may create their own signs or variations of the American Sign Language sign. You don’t have to worry about teaching toddlers the use of sign language will further delay their speech development. Research has shown that using sign language does not negatively impact a child’s language development later on, and actually does the opposite up to about age four.

Early introduction to sign language helps children develop mental processes used when speaking, improving verbal communication as time passes. Studies have shown that signing can lead to greater vocabulary growth. When children are understood, confidence builds in all areas.

Sign language also fosters inclusivity. 

Social Emotional Benefits of Sign Language for Toddlers

Sign language gives toddlers a developmentally appropriate method to express themselves. When toddlers can express their needs and thoughts, it reduces frustration and the number of tantrums. Fewer frustrations make the days more enjoyable for everyone. Sign language benefits all ages, especially toddlers, as they develop social skills and communication skills. 

Not only does sign language allow toddlers to communicate early, but it also helps develop a bond between child and caregiver. 

Be sure to share how you are teaching toddlers sign language in your program so they can also utilize it at home. With a little bit of time, families can also benefit from better communication, less frustration, and increase their child’s language abilities.

Inclusive Environments Incorporate Sign Language

Sign language profoundly fosters inclusivity by breaking down communication barriers and creating a more accessible environment for everyone, meeting the specific needs of each child.

Accessibility: Sign language ensures that communication isn’t limited to spoken words, making it accessible for children with hearing impairments or speech delays. It offers an alternative means of expression, allowing everyone to participate and engage in discussions, activities, and social interactions.

Inclusive Learning: By incorporating sign language into the classroom, educators create a space where diverse forms of communication are celebrated. This inclusivity promotes understanding and empathy among children, encouraging them to embrace and respect different ways of expressing thoughts and feelings.

Empowerment: Teaching sign language empowers children by giving them the tools to express themselves effectively. It enhances their confidence and encourages active participation in discussions and activities, regardless of their communication abilities or background.

Breaking Barriers: Sign language breaks down communication barriers for children with hearing impairments and those with different language backgrounds or learning styles. It creates a more level playing field where everyone can communicate and understand each other more effectively.

Building Community: Implementing sign language fosters community within the classroom. It encourages student collaboration, understanding, and respect, strengthening bonds and creating a supportive learning environment.

Overall, sign language promotes inclusivity by embracing diversity in communication styles, ensuring every child feels valued, heard, and included in the classroom community.

How Sign Language Facilitates Skill Development

Please find our full Developmental Continuum of Skills and learn about the skills children learn with Experience Curriculum.

Sign Language addresses child development Language & Literacy skills:

• LLD 1 Language Comprehension (Receptive)
  Understands and interprets language (both words and gestures.)
• LLD 2 Response to Language
  Communicates or acts in response to language and verbal directions or cues.
• LLD 3 Communication & Language Use
  Uses verbal and nonverbal communication to express ideas with increasingly complex words and sentences.
• LLD 4 Reciprocal Communication
  Engages in back-and-forth communication.

Sign Language activities are included in the 5 Ways to Explore Language & Literacy with Toddlers.

How to Introduce Sign Langage to Toddlers

Toddlers are incredibly receptive to new information, making this an opportune time to introduce basic signs. Experience Curriculum introduces simple signs that align with toddlers’ daily routines and interests. The signs coordinate with the weekly themes making the signs revelant to the child’s experience. Common first signs like “more,” “eat,” “drink,” and “play” can easily connect with their activities, fostering understanding and engagement.

Consistency is vital in teaching sign language to toddlers. Repeatedly showing and using the signs in context while speaking aloud will help reinforce their understanding. Utilize engaging visuals, such as the Sign Language cards or the storybooks from Experience Curriculum to capture their attention and make learning interactive. Encourage toddlers to mimic the signs by gently guiding their hands and celebrating their efforts. Incorporating signs during songs, stories, and daily interactions can transform learning into a fun and natural experience.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are fundamental when teaching sign language to toddlers. Embrace their progress and celebrate their achievements, fostering a supportive environment encouraging communication and connection. By integrating signs into their routine and making it an enjoyable experience, toddlers can quickly grasp and utilize sign language to express their needs and thoughts, enhancing their language development and boosting their confidence.

Example of Sign Language in the Toddler Curriculum

Sign language cards are exclusive to the Experience Toddler curriculum. Activities feature simple sign language words that coordinate with the story of the week. New signs are introduced each week but continue to look for ways to use toddler sign language throughout the daily routines, such as during a diaper change or meal times, to encourage better communication.

The Follow the Penguin activity card (Ice Castle Dec 2023) below is an example of a sign language lesson from Experience Curriculum. This activity focuses on communication and social relationship skills. The children practice signing “penguin” and “see” when they hear the words in the Read-Aloud story. 

The curriculum includes the two sign language cards each week with simple sign demonstrations. These cards can be shown to the children and displayed. When you display the cards, you are more likely to remember to incorporate them into the natural flow of the day.

The following Polar Bears and Icicles activity from the Ice Castles theme (Dec 2023) focuses and the sign language words “bear” and “ice”. The featured skills for this activity are listening and communication. The children are split into groups and sign the words when they hear them in the song.

Mirror Up & Down (Ice Castle Dec 2023) incorporates movement with communication skills, increasing learning.

Add the benefits of sign language to your program with the Experience Toddler curriculum!

References:

Barnes, Susan K. “Sign Language with Babies: What Difference Does It Make?” Dimensions of Early Childhood 38.1 (2010).
Murkhoff, H., Eisenberg, A.  and Hathaway, S. (2003). What To Expect The First Year New York, NY: Workman Publishing.