Why All Children Should Be Exposed to (learn) Sign Language

"All Children should be exposed to sign language. Not only does a growing body of research indicate all kids should be exposed (learn) Sign Language, but many now feel that when children learn Sign Language it can also have beneficial (good) consequences (results) for parents and teachers in many ways."

"And research suggests that many children learn how to speak earlier when they are encouraged to use signs. Apparently Sign Language gets them to enjoy communicating, and creates greater interest in learning to communicate via the spoken word at an earlier age. For many parents life becomes more enjoyable when spoken communication is achieved."

"Sign research shows Sign Language benefits non-deaf kids - even it they never use it with deaf people. Not only does it benefit (helps) "normal" hearing kids (whatever a normal hearing kid might be today) but it also benefits (helps) kids with developmental disabilities other than deafness - Downs Syndrome, other types of mental retardation, autism, speech impediments, etc."

"A book "Dancing With Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy (learning to read) will be published advocating that all children should be exposed to Sign Language. The book was written by Dr. Marilyn Daniels."

The groups learning the most used Sign Language with songs.
In England Sign Language is used to teach math without spoken language!
William Stoke, a professor at Gallaudet University for the deaf feels Sign
Language may wire the brain in such a manner as to make learning math easier.

To learn more about sign language for hearing kids, contact
the DFFJ Office at 812-476-4646 or e-mail Nativity@evansville.net