Babies crawl before they can walk and sign before they can talk!Baby Sign Language by Signing Stars is the first Australian Sign Language (Auslan) teaching application designed especially for babies and toddlers.The app also now features appropriate regional sign language for American (ASL), British (BSL) and Australian (Auslan) baby signers.Features: 7 flash cards in total from the Signing Stars First Words and "Animals" flash card sets a child-friendly animation of a cartoon baby demonstrating each sign colourful pictures to inspire babys imagination easy to understand graphics and hints to help you sign sign searchWhat is baby sign language?Baby signing involves the use of sign language to communicate with preverbal babies and toddlers with emerging speech skills. It is becoming increasingly popular with hearing babies, as parents are realising that it improves communication with their little ones. What are the benefits of teaching baby sign language to your child?A recent study in England, by Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn (funded by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development), found that there is a clear advantage to using signs with pre-verbal children. Parents within the study experienced reduced frustration and stronger bonds with their babies. Some of the other advantages for using signing with babies are:- reduced frustration for babies and carers- higher IQ - accelerated speech- improved memory- develops babys confidence- boosts language skills and vocabulary building- provides a strong foundation for early literacy - creates a fun bonding experience for you and your baby!When can I start using baby sign language to communicate with my baby?You can start using baby signs at any age. Most babies, however, begin to take notice of signs at around 6 months of age and may begin using them as early as 7 or 8 months - much earlier than they would be able to communicate verbally.Why start with just a few signs?The application and content are designed to cater to babies and toddlers and provide a fundamental set of signs that they will use with you every day. Younger children rely on repetition in their learning process.How to start signing with your baby?You can start with only a few signs usually two to three is a good amount especially if you are starting from about 6mths of age. These first signs are based on your childs needs. For example, if starting from the age of about 6mths your first signs might be Eat, Milk and More, these basic signs are a part of your childs everyday living. The important thing is to remember it will take time, so be patient. Encourage and congratulate your child often. Every child learning at an individual pace so keep in mind your ultimate goal is to have fun bonding with your child!For more Signing Stars baby sign language learning tools visit www.signingstars.com.au.
