In 1982 Dr’s Linda Avendolo and Susan Goodwyn from the University of California found that young babies use simple gestures to communicate. Based on these findings they were involved in a 10 year research programme which proved that early baby signing has an overall positive effect on babies as it helps their confidence and language acquisition. Babies who are taught signs tend to be less frustrated than those who don’t know any as they are better able to communicate their needs. In the long term they also seem to have a larger vocabulary.

Sing and Sign can be introduced as soon as your baby starts making simple gestures with his hands, for example waving bye bye. The signs are taught through nursery rhymes and games. It is enjoyable for both parent and child as it is a fun way to learn to communicate. Sing and Sign’s success is characterised through its simplicity and effectiveness in an enjoyable environment.

This activity is also beneficial to children from bi or multi lingual homes. As long as the parent whose first language is not English uses the signs with his or her mother tongue there should be no confusion to the child.

Sing and Sign teaching material is available here!