Easter Signs: American Sign Language

Easter Signs from Learn 2 Sign

Easter

"E" Shape moves left to Right

Good Friday

combine the signs for Good and Friday

Spring

One hand move up through the other (like a flower growing)

Easter Bunny

Combine the Sign Easter and Bunny

Chocolate Bunny

Combine the Signs Chocolate and Bunny

Easter Basket

Combine the Signs Easter and Basket

Easter Egg

Combine the sign Easter and Egg

25 words your 2 year old should know!

  Most parents are concerned about their child's development at some point or another." Are they growing fast enough? Shouldn't they be crawling or walking by now? Why won't won't she start talking?" These have plagued every mother at some point. We want our children to have the best chance in life and grow to be successful adults and I fear we have all become a little too concerned with" is that normal?". 


  Our ability to use language is what separates us from the animals. This is why, despite our size, we have reached the top of the food chain. Researchers suggest that the average full grown adult knows approximately 60, 000 words, numbers, and acronyms. So how many words should your newly communicating child know? Here is list a the 25 words your two  year old should know and use. Now,  before we get all excited about whether or not your child knows every word on the list, these are subjective. Some families use different languages, words,and contexts. Some children enjoy using some words and not others. Additionally this is a general age between 2-3 years old. If your child turned two yesterday and isn't saying all these words don't be too concerned. You are the parent and will know best if your child is or is not developing new skills. 

1. all gone
2. baby
3. ball
4. banana
5. bath
6. bye bye
7. book
8. car
9. cat
10. cookie
11. daddy
12. dog
13. eye
14. hat
15. hello/hi
16. hot
17. juice
18. milk
19. mommy
20. more
21. no
22. nose
23. shoe
24. thank you
25. yes

This list was comprised by Bryn Mawr Child Study Institute as the building blocks to language development. They state that the average two year old has between 25-225 words and some phrases. I don't suggest running out to see a doctor if your child can't say every word on the list. But this could be a way of measuring you child's development to see if you should be monitoring their development further. 

  Researchers have suggested that those children who signed (Baby Sign Language) as a baby use more words, use full sentences earlier, and generally read faster and more often. This is because baby sign language introduces an infant to language and communication as early as six months. These infants are being taught that they can use other means of communication besides spoken words. Most people don't understand that effective communication consists of more than just words. Effective communication involves words, tones of voice and body language. Have you ever noticed that the best public speakers use their hands when talking? This give you something to watch while listening, thus engaging more than just the listeners ears. 

American Sign Language Numbers 1-10

American Sign Language Alphabet Letters N-Z

American Sign Language Alphabet Letters A-M

Hop in to Spring With These Cool Finds for Baby Girl!

I don't think there is person out there who doesn't get excited about spring! Warmer weather, bright colours, and new fashions! I have found great local finds that will help you transition baby into Spring! All these item are available in London, Ontario and I have attached links to all sites so you know exactly where to get them.

Happy Spring! Happy Shopping!

Baby Legs- As Seen on Oprah!
  Baby Legs helps protect the gap between to sock and the bottom of the pant, keeping legs warm and rash-free! They help keep the sock on feet and don't interfere with diaper changes. Baby Legs offer an extra layer for baby's sensitive skin, protect knees from harsh surfaces and allow baby to stay barefoot for balance when learning to walk.

   Baby Legs can be bought at  both Cheeky Monkey locations in London, Ontario and online with their convenient shopping cart. Cheeky Monkey offers a wide variety of styles and colours for both boys and girls! Cheeky Monkey even carries Newborn Baby Legs that are smaller, organic and latex free!
       Cheeky Monkey

Baby Wisp Tulle Tutu
  Layers and Layers of Tulle and a satin petticoat for added comfort! This gorgeous skirt will have your little girl dancing and twirling in glee! Give your little ballerina the beautiful she deserves! This beautiful Tutu can be bought at both Cheeky Monkey locations and online.






      Cheeky Monkey

Beanies by Petal Babies!
  These adorable HANDMADE hats are perfect for spring! Keep your little one's head comfortable while it warms up outside! You can order has many colours and sizes as you wish and each hat come with 3 interchangeable attachments. Attachments are flowers of all shapes and sizes, they are just beautiful! You can order online or visit the Petal Babies location in London, Ontario. Petal Babies has teamed with momperks to offer 10% off to all momperks card holders.





      Petal Babies

Little Miss Clips
These Slip-proof hair clips designed for the little girls with barely-there and very fine hair! they are guaranteed to stay put and are made to order. There is an adorable selection of colours and varieties available. Your princess is guaranteed to get compliments with these clips! Little Miss clips is working with momperks to provide a discount to every momperks card holder. Little Miss Clips offers 25% off every order and free shipping on all orders over $20.



  If you have an item you would like me to feature on the Learn 2 Sign blog contact me details! shawneen@learn2sign.ca. Don't forget to sign up for spring baby sign classes for something fun to do !

Sign Language in Children with Communication Disorders

 One in ten Canadians has a speech, language or hearing problem. A child should use 200 or more words by the time they are 2-3 years old and by the age of 4 ½ their vocabulary should consist of approximately 2000 words. These numbers appear to be large but we must consider the average person acquires 10 000 words in their lifetime. Most speech and language disorders are not diagnosed until the child is school aged. Common disorders in children are:

• Articulation Disorders (omitting, substituting, or distorting language sounds) examples include a child saying “Wabbit” instead of “Rabbit
• Voice Problems (Clarity, Volume, Pitch)
•  Stuttering (Hesitations, Syllable or word reputations and restarts)
• Language Difficulties

  Other disorders such as Downs Syndrome, Autism and Apraxia of speech can cause speech and language difficulties in children.

  Autism is a brain disorder which adversely affects behaviour, social skills and the ability to communicate. Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., from the Center for the Study of Autism, writes: "Many aberrant behaviors associated with autism and other developmental disabilities, such as aggression, tantrumming, self-injury, anxiety, and depression, are often attributed to an inability to communicate to others. Signed Speech may, at the very least, allow the person to communicate using signs and may stimulate verbal language skills. When teaching a person to use sign language, another possible benefit may be the facilitation of their attentiveness to social gestures of others as well as of themselves." Teaching Autistic children sign language can provide communication in cases where the child has not been to develop oral communication.

  Children affected with Downs Syndrome are slower to develop speech and language skills. Teaching Sign Language, along with verbal reinforcement, is shown to improve the communication skills of children with this disorder. Researchers are emphasizing to use to total communication (Simultaneous use of sign language and speech) to assist in the development language skills.

  The benefits of using sign language in babies in not limited to those with communication and developmental disorders. Sign language in pre-verbal babies boasts great advantages including reduced frustration, increase in self-esteem, increase in IQ by 10-12 points, increase speed of spatial reasoning, introduction of language, and promotion life-long literacy. Sign Language classes can help parents and caregivers establish routines and strategies that are proven to assist in language development in all children. For more information on the benefits of Baby Sign Language and Classes please visit www.learn2sign.ca

Shawneen Lenane


Learn 2 Sign

www.learn2sign.ca

info@learn2sign.ca