Signing with your baby is a great activity for both child and parent. We have now written
several articles covering the benefits of baby sign language, the use of baby sign language for children with autism or other special needs, keys for success with baby sign language, and other general information on the subject. Also, we have begun sharing some of our favorite signs with our readers. In this article, we review some more of our most popular signs, covering baby’s greetings and niceties.
So get ready to have fun signing with your baby!
Greetings and Niceties
We all want nice little babies that grow up to be polite boys and girls. As such, we need to teach them how to greet others and be polite, and it is never too early to start. I find the words in this blog to be some of the most satisfying to teach and use.
Hello
Now that your child is talking, you can tell each other “hello.” You and your child will have fun greeting each other with this sign. Make and ASL “B,” holding your four fingers straight up and laying your thumb across your palm. Move your “B hand,” putting your index finger at the side of your head. Next, move your hand out in a saluting motion.
Bye-Bye
It may be difficult, but sometimes Mommy or Daddy must say “bye-bye” and go to work (or just get away). There is nothing cuter than baby waiving bye-bye.
To sign bye-bye, place your hand parallel to your body with fingers pointing up. Move all of your fingers up and down.
Please
Baby should always remember to say “please.” Truly, if baby wants something from you, she should ask politely, and use the “magic word.”
And you will not be able to resist her when baby makes this sign. To say please, place your palm against your chest and make a circle.
Thank You
Baby needs to learn to answer the ever popular question, “What do you say?” After Mommy or Daddy has done something nice for baby, she should say “thank you,” of course. And you can thank your child when she has been a sweet little girl. For the sign, place the tips of your fingers on your chin and move your hand down with fingertips pointing away from your chin.
Sorry
Sometimes, baby makes a boo-boo. Ok, frequently baby makes lots of boo-boos. It would be nice, and polite, for baby to say she is “sorry.” Believe me; you won’t be upset with baby for long. To sign sorry, make an ASL “S” by making a fist with your thumb wrapped around the outside of your fingers. Now place the “S” on your chest and make a circle.
I Love You
I have saved the best nicety for last. Love is what makes the world go ‘round. And your heart will truly melt when baby
signs “I Love You.” Now, when you tell your little one you love her, make this sign. Hold your hand up with your pinky finger, index finger and thumb extended (Pretend you’re at a hard rock concert!). Try not to get choked up the first time baby makes this sign.
Well, there you go…Six signs to help baby become a nice polite little one. These are great signs to start signing with your baby. As always, good luck and happy signing!