Book: First Signs
by Jenna Brockett
2022, Board Book, 26pp
First Signs contains 13 New Zealand Sign Language signs with details and illustrations on how to do them. The beautifully illustrated book shows how to do the signs, in pictures and words, as well as the particular word in both English and Maori.
The book is made for both children and parents, so don't be deceived by the board book format. It isn't just for the kids! And believe me, you will love what this book can do to make your life easier. Many years ago I used sign language to communicate with my triplet babies, so I know from personal experience that it works. I'll explain more later.
Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally, and teaching basic signs to children benefits both them and their parents by providing a means of communication before and during speech development. “First Signs” gets you started with key signs to help you communicate with your little one, easing frustration (for everyone!) by giving them a means to express their wants and needs.
You can begin introducing signs as early as you want (the earlier you do means more practice for you!), but studies show babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.
So back to my personal experience. I can't remember exactly how old they were when I started using sign language, but it was before they were verbal, and it was particularly helpful when they were in their highchairs. Imagine trying to feed 3 kids at once, as well as figure out what they wanted. Also imagine teaching them signs for 'more', 'eat', 'drink'. I was amazed how quickly they learned the signs. I just asked them if they wanted a drink, used the sign, used the word, and in a very short time they were signing. And that then led to them using the right word when they became verbal. Most of all, it removed the frustration kids feel when they don't have words and hence can't communicate with you. Signing is much easier. I remember friends being sceptical, that it would mean they wouldn't talk, that they would just use signing. But that didn't happen. Honestly, signing was one of the best things I ever did.
It's a win win situation. Teach your kids, reduce their frustration, increase your calm.
Proudly created in New Zealand, and shipped worldwide.
