Changing Communication one sign at a time

 
“Heightening a child’s interest in learning to read may be the strongest contribution sign language will make to the reading process.” Dr. Marilyn Daniels, Dancing with Words

Signing in the classroom can be beneficial for all abilities of children. Research shows that signing strongly aids in language learning along with fostering a better awareness and understanding of the manual ABC’s transferred to written letters.

Research studies completed by Dr. Marilyn Daniels beginning in 1991 showed that hearing preschool children who were learning ASL scored higher on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test than their hearing peers with no sign. The scores indicate the positive influence of sign language on a hearing child’s acquisition of English.

Signing is visual, expressive, involves movement and attention. Children gravitate towards signing and the benefits are limitless. Teachers express a change in classroom behavior and appreciate the aspect that signing can bring to classroom management, aiding in reduced noise levels and increased attention.