Did you know that sign language can help improve cognitive development, speech and emotional development, and reading skills in children? It’s true! Learning sign language has a ton of benefits for kids. In this article, we will discuss four of the top benefits of teaching your kids sign language. Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance of Sign Language and its Effects on a Developing Brain
As a parent, you may find that at times you are the only person who can understand your child/ren’s own personal verbal and physical language. Verbally communicating can be a long process for both parent and child. Nonetheless, it is a skill that can be developed faster through educational techniques, such as sign language.
The Top 4 Benefits of Teaching Your Kids Sign Language
The chemistry that is stored within the front section of a developing child’s brain, allows them to learn and take-in information significantly faster than an adult. Since children associate words with its explicit meaning, they are able to connect and learn multiple languages with ease and less frustration. Since sign language is a physical way of communicating, children are able to better understand and implement it. Relating an object to a gesture, also allows young children to quickly learn new words and significantly expand their speaking skills.
Cognitive Development
Sign language has been shown to help improve cognitive development in children. One study found that infants who were exposed to sign language had better developed working memory than those who were not exposed to sign language
Reinforces the Learning of Educational Concepts
Sign language can help reinforce the learning of educational concepts for children. One study found that sign language can help children learn new vocabulary words and concepts more quickly than those who are not exposed to sign language. Sign language has also been shown to help children develop reading skills earlier and have a larger reading vocabulary. The research found that sign language can help children learn to read up to six months earlier than those who are not exposed to sign language
Communication
At a young age, children are encouraged to expand their vocabulary and speaking abilities, which as a parent you may be aware, can be frustrating for both sides. Teaching children sign language at a young age, gives them the ability to communicate through movements instead of speaking. This allows children to feel more accomplished and to enjoy the language they are learning through specific movements, instead of struggling with pronunciations. Sign language’s visual communication is additionally able to support those children who may be struggling with overcoming speech disorders or general speaking difficulties. Allowing children to communicate in a completely different way, will boost their confidence and allow them to better understand vocabulary.
Socialisation
At The St Clare Group, your child will be taught basic sign language gestures by their educators. They will be able to collaboratively learn “thank you”, “please”, “yes”, “no” and other basics. This keeps the class relevant and encouraging, while also allowing the children to communicate new signs as a class and have fun while doing so. This new skill will encourage the children in our care to better understand new or old words while relating them back to memorable actions.
So there you have it! These are just four of the many benefits of learning sign language for kids. If you’re looking for a way to help your child develop cognitively, emotionally, and academically, sign language is a great option! Contact our centre staff members today for more information about our programs.
