Frequently Asked Questions

Will signing with my baby delay his/her speech development?
Sign language (a visual/gross motor skill), gives children the ability to express language long before speech (a fine motor skill), develops.  Little Signers, Inc. encourages the use of signs paired with the spoken word for parents whose children can hear, thus exposing the child to both modes of communication.  Often the child will stop using signs as their ability to produce speech develops and the signs are no longer needed for communication.  However, if you and your children choose to continue learning sign language, you will be fortunate to have a solid foundation on which to build upon after completing our program.

Research clearly indicates that babies who use sign language tend to have a stronger command of verbal language and also begin speaking at an earlier age than babies who don't sign.  Generally, a baby's first words will often be words that have also been signed.  

In addition, using sign language is very helpful during the beginning stages of verbal development when many words a baby says sound the same (i.e. "ma-ma" could mean, momma, milk, or more).  Using signs along with speech allows you and your child to effectively communicate with each other.  Check out our Article Links for more information.

Will Signing with my baby improve his/her IQ?
Research indicates that learning a second language, including sign language, actually increases IQ scores. Because sign language is a visual language, both the language cortex (in the left hemisphere) and the visual/motor cortex (the right hemisphere) of the brain are stimulated simultaneously, thus improving eye/hand coordination and general motor function.

Are classes only for parents of deaf children?
No.  Little Signers, Inc. was created for use by hearing parents of hearing babies. However, parents of deaf children, in addition to parents of children with a variety of special needs will also benefit from this program.


What is the best age to introduce signs to our baby?
Adults can begin learning signs at anytime.  We suggest that you incorporate the use of a few signs into your everyday activities (i.e. bath, eat, milk, more) beginning as early as possible.  Some babies may begin to sign as early as 6-8 months old, while others may not sign their first words until after a year.  As a child develops memory, dexterity, and cognitive skills, his/her ability to recognize, retain, and produce signs will increase.  It is never too late, nor too early, to start. 

Why do your classes focus on teaching adults and not teaching children?
Our goal is to teach the adults to use sign language in everyday activities with their children.  We stress that signs should be incorporated naturally, in the home environment, as opposed to "teaching" children sign language using a formal method of instruction   If signs are incorporated in daily routines (i.e. signing "milk" when giving a bottle) children tend to mimic the adults and use those signs to communicate.  


What scientific research supports the idea of signing with babies?
Developmentally, babies are able to use their motor skills before verbal skills.  By giving them the tools to communicate using their motor skills (via sign language) babies are able to express themselves long before they're able to speak.  This ability helps to reduce frustration, thus, reducing tantrums and behavioral outbursts.  See our Benefits & Research page for more information.