learning to use a sign language 91
How to encourage your child to communicate
simple needs
When your child wants something, she is more eager to learn a sign that
will help her get what she wants. Here are some ideas for encouraging
your child to use sign language
to communicate simple needs:
What do you want,
Rani? Tell me in
sign language.
• Whenever your child
seems to want something,
encourage her to sign for
what she wants.
• Create situations that need your
child to ask for something.
Play
more?
Oscar’s father stopped
their game until
Oscar asked him to
continue.
When your child uses a gesture that can mean different things, act
confused. Encourage her to send a more specific message by giving you
the sign.
Do you want your
cup or ball?
Can you sign ‘cup’?
Cup.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)