September 4, 2005

Baby Sign

Yeah, we sign with our baby. We started when she was 8 months old, with very few signs (more, done, down) and were rubbish at being consistent with the signs. Somehow, I found it hard to do the sign when it was better to get that spoon in her mouth quickly before she lost interest while Mummy was signing "more".

Despite our best efforts, the Toddler has actually picked up on signing! She now uses 'more', 'down', 'help', 'water', 'please', 'eat', and a few that we've made up together like 'where' and 'Wiggles'. You'll recall I posted about the Wiggles -- they're the Toddler's favorite TV programme. She loves books, so I should teach her 'book', and i've just decided tonight to teach her 'music' and 'reach' or 'get'. She uses nodding head and shaking head for 'yes' and 'no', and waving for 'hi' and 'bye' since I didn't see the need to try and teach those signs.

It's really cute. She uses 'more' the most, asking to continue a game (ie: "again!") or for more food, or to watch the Wiggles for the gazillionth time. Her 'Wiggles' sign is guaranteed to make you smile -- pointed forefingers and thumbs waved in the air, and body wiggling like you are doing the twist, accompanied by the biggest grin ever.

Now if someone could just teach W. sign language. I know what I'd teach him -- 'idiot', 'stop', 'no', 'quiet', 'sit'.