An important part of early childhood education, American Sign Language (ASL) can help improve your child’s development. Learning to sign offers several benefits for your toddler, from helping them effectively communicate, to improving their vocabulary, to boosting their memory. To learn more about these advantages and how you can help reinforce them outside of early childhood education at school, here is a helpful guide.

How to Encourage Your Toddler’s Development through ASL

Benefits of ASL for Toddlers

By giving your child an alternate means of expressing and communicating their feelings, they can learn to better regulate and manage their emotions. Instead of manifesting them into temper tantrums, for example, your child can communicate in a more constructive manner through signing. ASL will also help improve your child’s vocabulary over time, since words in sign language often look like what they represent. Additionally, since signing relies on muscle memory, your child will improve their memory as a result of needing to engage more of their senses when learning words.

How to Improve Your Child’s Sign Language Skills at Home

To help reinforce what is being taught in an early childhood education program, it’s advisable to practice sign language techniques with your little one at home. Encourage your child to use sign language when they want to express a need, such as signing “water” when they’re thirsty or “blanket” when they’re chilly. Repetition is key for retention, so the more you can practice outside of the classroom environment, the better your child can grasp sign language and develop verbal speech down the line.
 

If you’re looking for a reputable early childhood education program where your child can develop skills through American Sign Language, look no further than Carrier Learning Center. Located in Bristol, CT, this affordable day care ensures each child has ample opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Offering infant care and preschool programs, your child will benefit from a nurturing environment and a caring, knowledgeable staff. To enroll your child in one of their programs, call (860) 589-3000 or visit them online for more information.