Ask a Speech Therapist - using signs

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We’re back with our ask a speech therapist feature. Today our SLP, Lauren Tong, explores a common question asked by parents we work with - should I start using sign with my child?

Q: Should I teach my child sign language? If so, what signs do I teach them first?

A: Sure! Teaching your child baby sign language (modified gestures from American Sign Language) can be an effective communication tool. The first few signs I recommend are mainly verbs as verbs help pave the way for language development. Verbs also allow children to start building early sentences. Some recommended baby signs are:

Here is one of our clinic’s favorite resources for exploring and learning signs to use with your little one. Happy learning!

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Jody Vaynshtok

Jody is a California-licensed speech language pathologist with eight years of industry and clinical experience. She has worked with both adult and pediatric populations during her time at private practice, birth-to-three, and hospital facilities. She is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a variety of communication and cognitive disorders. In addition, Jody has a passion for working with adults looking to achieve clearer communication. Jody received her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences and MS in Medical Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington. She was a part of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford’s cleft and craniofacial clinic participating in the multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of children born with craniofacial abnormalities. She holds a staff position at UCSF and is the lead speech language pathologist for the department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s Hearing Loss Clinic. When she's not busy having fun with her clients Jody enjoys spending time with her husband, Anton, friends and family. And if she's not headed out somewhere fun for dinner, you might find her at Bar Method working out!