Speaking With Babies Before They Can Talk

It’s normal for parents to eagerly wait for their baby’s first words, and those first “words” can actually happen within the first couple months of life — with the help of baby sign language.

Tonya Devine, owner of Shasta Sign Language, began teaching sign language to babies this year. “Signing with your baby has so many benefits,” she says. “Babies and parents both experience less frustration because the babies can communicate their needs. This helps the baby to feel understood thus building confidence. Signing together is also a great time to bond and nurture your relationship with your baby. Using signs helps your baby remember words and certainly improves communication skills.”

Babies learn at their own pace – be consistent and keep signing

With a teaching degree from CSU Chico, Tonya has worked for the Shasta County Office of Education as a one-on-one aide and interpreter for deaf students, where she saw how American Sign Language is beneficial for people of every age. When it comes to teaching babies, she says, “The hardest part, in my opinion, is consistency. In the beginning, you might not think the baby is getting it. All babies learn to sign at their own pace. It’s up to the parent to keep signing, even if it takes a few weeks or months to see results. I tell my parents to sign every time”

The signs Tonya recommends teaching first are milk, food, more, and all-done. She says if parents could only teach their children one word it would be more. “This way the baby can use it frequently in terms of more food, play, stories, cuddles, etc.”

You just need your hands and your baby

While Tonya says the ideal time to teach baby sign language is between 12-24 months, a mom can sign the word milk at every feeding. “I don’t think new parents realize how fun and easy this is,” she says. “You don’t need any equipment. You just need your hands and your baby. Most people don’t realize the unique bond it creates between the parent and the baby. It’s very special to be able to communicate with a baby, especially one that is not quite verbal yet. Babies can communicate before they can speak and sign language is the golden ticket for that ride.”

Tonya offers Baby Sign Language classes at the PlaySpace in Redding eachTuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:30am until April 13.   On April 29, she will be the special guest at Goddard Music School in Redding, teaching sign language and music. Classes for ages birth-three are offered from 10-11am, and ages three-six from 11am-noon. Tonya says, “I also offer private tutoring for beginning ASL, which has been popular among the Homeschool Community. My services are open to anyone who would like to learn how to sign. I’ve only just begun my journey of bringing sign language to the North State, so please reach out to me with ideas and for collaboration.” Email Tonya at shastasignlanguage@gmail.com, and follow her on Instagram @shasta_sign_language.