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Teaching Children With Down Syndrome Sign Language
You may not believe it but children with Down syndrome are usually excellent communicators. They learn to communicate by way of expressions, gestures and mime. This is because spoken language often develops slowly in children with Down syndrome, and they end up using sign language as a tool for communicating.
If sign language is introduced at the time of birth, babies with Down syndrome learn to communicate. This aids in building a better bond between the parents and the baby. Sign language also helps the baby with Down syndrome to develop eye contact and pay attention to movements.
Using sign language with children with Down syndrome, helps the children to associate meanings to the spoken word, and also helps them to become more responsive and attentive to their surrounding which helps them to learn the language. However, many parents of children with Down syndrome fear that teaching sign language to children with Down syndrome can put them off using spoken words. However, research has proved otherwise. Children with Down syndrome, who learn sign language, actually become less dependent on gestures and signs as they learn to talk.
If you want to teach sign language to your child with Down syndrome, it is better to start out in a simple manner. It is important to sign just a few important words and the signs should be repeated as often as possible so that the child can attach meaning to the sign. You have to ensure that the child is looking at you while you sign so that he does not miss out on what you doing with your hands. It is important to talk while you use sign language but make sure you keep the spoken language as simple as possible. You would also have to use appropriate facial expressions to go with the sign so that the child can attach more meaning to what you are saying.
Do not get discouraged if your child does not respond right away. If necessary, physically teach the child how to use the signs and keep encouraging him to copy your movements. Teaching sign language to children with Down syndrome does require a lot of patience and perseverance but the result of all this hard work will be worth it when your child starts communicating effectively with you.
Related Topics:
- Prenatal Symptoms Of Down Syndrome
- Down Syndrome And Caries
- Adopting A Down Syndrome Baby
