Signs by Age

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Let’s consider different ages and how you can incorporate sign language appropriately. The younger the child, the more basic the sign to begin with. It is important no matter what age you are introducing signs to connect them with context as mentioned previously. There are multiple signs that you can introduce to babies and toddlers that are not unlike the gestures and movements that they naturally make when learning to communicate. Many adults will introduce signs that correspond to common first words or high frequency words in a child’s environment. 

Children who are typically developing and are acquiring language can use sign language and benefit from it in many ways. They will gain helpful communication skills and may retain this information to help communicate with hearing and deaf individuals alike. Beginning with some basic signs can set a strong foundation for strengthening sign language skills. Sign language should be practiced often and in context. Using signs often and appropriately is the best way to become more comfortable and capable with sign language.

Below is a list of commonly introduced signs for young children. These include a variety of signs for people, places, and things. This is not an exhaustive list by any means but can be considered a good starting point for introducing signs. 

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Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Sign Language Introduction Video
3. ASL Video Discussion
4. Deaf Culture and Community
5. Cultural Influences on Language
6. Video Protecting Deaf Culture
7. Discussion Deaf Culture
8. Hand Shapes
9. Facial Expressions and Body Language
10. Signed Alphabet 
11. Discussion: Facial Expressions

12. Occupations with and without the Agent Marker
13. Basic Signs
14. Color Signs
15. Days of the Week
16. People Signs
17. Place Signs
18. Animal Signs
19. Food Signs
20. Feeling Signs
21. School Signs
22. Basic Signs
​23. Discussion: Signs in the Classroom

24. Check for Understanding
25. Where to Begin when Teaching Signs
26. Signs by Age
27. Older Children Signs
28. Classroom Management
29. Make it Fun!
30. Discussion: Make it Fun!
31. Sign Language Quiz #1
32. Sign Language Quiz #2
33. Sign Language Quiz #3
34. Sign Language Quiz #4
35. Sign Language Quiz #5
36. Evaluation Form​
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