Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Class Two: Discussion Points

My child has started clapping her hands together and I think it might mean 'more' - why doesn't it look like the adult version of 'more?'
Congratulations! It sounds like your little one is signing to you! It is quite common for signs to be simplified when children first produce them. Sometimes the handshape is simplified, sometimes the movement or location might be different from the adult version. It's important to recognize your child's sign as an attempt to communicate and respond to her as if she had signed correctly. A good strategy is to repeat and expand on what she said, using the correct adult version of the sign so she can see it again. But remember, you do not need to correct her - keep things fun and positive to encourage more communication!



Do I need to shake my head when I sign "NO" or nod my head when I sign "YES?"
YES!! (can you see me nodding my head??) When you sign, it is important to convey as much information as possible. Over 60% of ASL communication depends on expression and facial grammar. For example, just raising your eyebrows and tilting your head forward can change a statement into a question!

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