[Madeline]

I have seen students who are hesitant to ask for what they need or students with selective mutism be able to advocate for their needs independently.

[Trainer]

Great observation, Madeline! Empowering children to advocate for themselves through sign language fosters confidence and connection.

[Michelle]

The children in my class are more prone to signing over crying when they need something.

[Michaela]

Basic sign language helps quite often in our infant class. We try to start them early and overall it has led to the babies whining and fussing less often when trying to express that they want something, since they can just sign what they need and be understood.

[Danielle]

During circle time, children in my classroom will use the sign for the bathroom or water so it does not interrupt active engaging and learning.

[Trainer]

Great example, Danielle! Using sign language during circle time fosters inclusion and minimizes disruptions, enhancing learning for all.

[Alida]

Through my teaching experience, I have seen that children are able to make connections between objects, signs, and oral language. It gives them a way to express their needs, wants, and learning in a more concrete way as their oral language is still developing. When we talk about colors, shapes, letters and numbers in my classroom we add in sign language with the visual and oral language. I have found many children are able to identify with the sign long before they are able to express the oral language. This shows me they are making the connections and learning even if they cannot yet verbally express their learning.

[Heidi George]

Reflecting on your own teaching or caregiving experience, how do you think using basic sign language can improve communication and connection with young children, both hearing and deaf? Can you share a moment where you saw nonverbal communication make a difference?a) Most of the children in my classroom are pre-verbal. We rely on basic signs to communicate needs. Giving children a method of direct communication is invaluable. For instance; crying while eating snack at the table could mean many things; the child is finished, they want more, they dropped their spoon -it could be anything that they’re trying to tell their caregiver. If instead of crying; the child can sign more, you can acknowledge it and give them what they’re asking for. Net positive boon all around.

[Laura]

I work in the toddler room and use it during meal time as well during song and communicated throughout the day. most of the signs my student understand and some take a little long, so I keep repeating the sign with the word.

[Katherine]

Some kids, regardless of hearing status, learn better through sign language. The visual plus the hand-eye coordination could be very stimulating to an early learner.

[Madison Jones]

I find that even children who are not deaf/HH will try to sign with their peers so it can be helpful and engaging for anyone. Also children on the spectrum and non-verbal children can use ASL for another way to communicate.

[Lorna]

It bridges the gap between hearing and deaf children. There are benefits to learning sign language, and deaf children should not be the only group to be exposed to it. Hearing and deaf children can learn from each other and by sharing sign language to all children they can connect and learn from each other. Nonverbal communication is great when I am trying to get the children to use their whisper voice. So I’ll bring my finger to my lips and lower my voice and the children will instantly lower their voice.

[Maria]

While I have never worked with a deaf or hard of hearing child, using basic signs with young children (0-2) still greatly aids communication and I have noticed the children that are taught signs at home before coming to school often get frustrated less and hacve an easier time adjusting because they are able to communicate their needs with the teachers even thought they ususally are not speaking yet.

[Ashton]

I grew up with a deaf older sister, so I witnessed her frustration with trying to communicate with others who didn’t understand firsthand. I remember seeing her light up whenever we met someone who can talk to her without needing me or my mom to translate for them.

[Trainer]

Ashton, your personal experience highlights the profound impact of understanding communication needs and fostering independence in children. Great reflection!

[Tatiana]

I think that it is really important to start learning sign language at a young age and should be taught in schools. We never know when a child who can’t hear will enter into our classrooms. What a better welcome than already knowing how to communicate with them. It can be hard for children to communicate and using sign language could really help the teachers or parents know what the child needs even if he can verbally communicate it. No children would feel left out.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Tatiana! Your emphasis on early sign language education highlights its importance in fostering inclusivity and effective communication.

[Kimberly Hastings]

I am just starting to learn sign language. At the childcare center that I work at, we have 3 two year olds that are non verbal and 1 infant that is deaf. She is getting cochlear implants on the 22nd. I am excited to start signing at work so that the kids can communicate with me, but also with the infant now, and as she gets older.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Kimberly! Your enthusiasm for learning sign language will greatly enhance communication and connection with all the children.

[Adia]

The signs I use the most with the toddlers I work with are “more” and “all done”. It is such a wonderful thing to be able to communicate with them about their wants and needs. We are able to develop better routines and respect and understanding this way.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Adia! Using basic signs fosters essential communication and strengthens your connection with the toddlers.