[Janeth Ruiz]

In our toddler classroom, we like to sign please, thank you and all done at the same time as us the teacher speak to them. It happens more often during snack or lunch time, since it is when they are actively using those words with us the most. This encourages them to share their needs with us, instead of crying for example as a way to gain the teacher’s attention. It has help develop spoken language in some children, since they are feeling confident about communicating their needs through signs and they want to start trying talking to us.

[Trainer]

Great job, Janeth! Your use of sign language fosters communication and confidence among toddlers, enhancing their language development effectively.

[Elizabeth]

I have been using sign for over 35 years but am rusty. I taught my infants while volunteering in an elementary school where deaf students were mainstreamed. My son’s first sign was ‘popcorn’ I now teach preschool and have been introducing my students to sign language and am brushing up on my skills.

[Ariana]

I have not had to use to much sign language but I do work with 2-3 year olds and on some occasions the 2 year old hasn’t started talking or just started and still hard to understand. So then the sign language comes in for the basic signs like hungry, more, milk/water.

[Jennifer]

I use sign in my toddler class. We do more, all done, drink, cracker and several other ones. My toddlers love it. They now sign and say the words with it

[Trainer]

Great job, Jennifer! It’s wonderful to see how signing enhances communication and engagement in your classroom. Keep it up!

[Taryn Robertson]

In my classroom we use sign language throughout the day and practice new signs at lunch time. We sign certain words when talking with the children like “more” and “please” or various food signs when we are at the table eating. The children love it.

[Michelle Wilson]

I use sign mainly while we are eating and the child wants more to eat. We use the sign for more every time we ask for more food. This helps with the tots that have not developed much language yet and the ones who are very shy at speaking at in front of people.

[Trainer]

Great approach, Michelle! Using the sign for “more” during mealtime fosters communication and supports shy toddlers effectively. Keep it up!

[stephanie trader]

children need trust

[Trainer]

Great point, Stephanie! Building trust enhances communication, making toddlers more receptive to learning sign language.

[Zeynep]

As a toddler teacher, I’ve used sign language daily in the classroom to support early communication and reduce frustration, especially for children who are still developing verbal skills. I incorporate simple signs into our routines, such as during mealtime, circle time, diaper changes, and transitions. For example, I use <strong data-start=”384″ data-end=”394″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“more” and <strong data-start=”399″ data-end=”413″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“all done” during snack and lunch. <strong data-start=”440″ data-end=”452″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“Please” and <strong data-start=”457″ data-end=”472″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“thank you” are introduced during social interactions. I use <strong data-start=”524″ data-end=”534″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“help” when toddlers struggle with tasks and encourage them to sign it instead of getting upset. <strong data-start=”627″ data-end=”637″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“Stop” and <strong data-start=”642″ data-end=”652″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>“wait” are helpful during group activities to support behavior and self-regulation. Signs that toddlers love responding to are more, all done, drink and help. It really helps with frustration. Sign language makes a huge difference in reducing tantrums and helping toddlers express their needs before they have the words. It also boosts their confidence because they realize they can communicate and be understood. I’ve seen quieter children engage more, and it often encourages speech development as they begin pairing signs with words.Overall, it creates a more responsive, respectful, and connected classroom environment.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Zeynep! Your use of sign language clearly fosters communication and confidence, enhancing the classroom experience for toddlers.

[Ciera]

i have used it to help my toddlers communicate without screaming and they mostly uses more and all done when it comes to food and also activity when they are do with a craft or activity we are doing

[Trainer]

Great job, Ciera! Using sign language effectively reduces frustration and enhances communication during activities—what a valuable tool for toddlers!

[Nadezhda Kubay]

<div>I haven’t really used sign language in my classroom, but if I did, I would use it with children that have trouble communicating verbally. I think the signs that toddlers would respond to the most would be signs related to help, sleep, rest, or food.</div>

[Trainer]

Great insight, Nadezhda! Focusing on essential signs like help and food can significantly enhance communication for toddlers.

[Luz Muñoz]

Incorporar lenguaje de señas en el aula o en casa puede ser una herramienta poderosa para mejorar la comunicación con los niños, especialmente con los más pequeños. Aunque no tengo experiencias personales, puedo compartir algunas estrategias efectivas para utilizar el lenguaje de señas con niños pequeños.Beneficios del lenguaje de señas para niños pequeñosEl lenguaje de señas puede ayudar a reducir la frustración y mejorar el comportamiento en los niños pequeños, ya que les proporciona una vía adicional para comunicarse ¹. También puede mejorar su competencia socioemocional, promoviendo la empatía y el respeto mutuo.Señas que los niños pequeños responden másLos niños pequeños suelen responder bien a señas simples y relacionadas con su vida diaria, como:- Saludos: “hola”, “adiós”- Comida: “comida”, “agua”, “gracias”- Actividades: “jugar”, “leer”, “dormir”- Objetos: “pelota”, “osito”, “libro”Estrategias para incorporar el lenguaje de señasAquí hay algunas estrategias para incorporar el lenguaje de señas en el aula o en casa:- Aprendizaje natural y lúdico: Incorpora el lenguaje de señas en juegos, canciones y rutinas diarias.- Uso de materiales visuales: Utiliza carteles con imágenes y señas para reforzar el aprendizaje.- Herramientas tecnológicas: Utiliza aplicaciones o videos interactivos para enseñar lenguaje de señas de manera divertida.- Crear una rutina diaria: Incorpora el lenguaje de señas en las rutinas diarias, como al saludar o al pedir comida.Al incorporar el lenguaje de señas en el aula o en casa, puedes mejorar la comunicación con los niños pequeños y promover un entorno más inclusivo y respetuoso ².

[Trainer]

Luz, your insights on the benefits and strategies for using sign language in early childhood are excellent! Great job promoting inclusive communication!

[Vladimir Kubay]

I haven’t really used sign language in my classroom, but if I did, I use it with children that have trouble communicating verbally and if a child is trying to say something, but it’s hard to understand them. The signs that toddlers respond to the most are to help, hi, bye, hungry, and thirsty.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Vladimir! Using sign language can significantly enhance communication for all children, not just those with challenges.

[Jan]

in small ways – certainly with song time, but mainly through the day using ‘thank you’, ‘all done?’, ‘hello’, and ‘please’

[Trainer]

Great job, Jan! Using signs like “thank you” and “please” fosters communication and encourages positive interactions with toddlers.

[Ava]

In the classroom, I use all done when checking if toddlers are finished with their work. I use help when asking if they want help. I use the signs for eat, water, and milk during lunch and snack time. I use the sign for the toilet when seeing if they need the bathroom. Lastly, I use the sign for shoes when we are getting ready for outside.

[Trainer]

Great job, Ava! Your use of sign language promotes effective communication and fosters independence among toddlers. Keep it up!

[Terra Frank]

In my daycare, I use sign language daily to help toddlers express their needs and feelings before they can fully communicate with words. I’ve found that simple signs like “more,” “help,” “please,” “thank you,” and “all done” are the ones toddlers respond to the most. These signs fit naturally into our routines during meals, playtime, and transitions, and they really help reduce frustration for both the children and caregivers.Using sign language has also made a big difference in helping toddlers feel understood and confident. Once they realize that I can understand them through signs, they become more engaged and eager to learn new ones. I’ve also noticed that it strengthens their social skills, toddlers start signing to each other and helping friends remember the signs. It’s been a wonderful way to encourage communication, independence, and connection at an early age.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Terra! Your use of sign language fosters communication and connection, enhancing both learning and social skills in toddlers.