How did I start using ASL?
I have started signing when I lost my voice last year. It was a complete new experience for me. So how do toddlers feel, when they know what they want, but we don't understand them. They try to express themselves and make us listen. But how, when most of the time it is crying or an indifferent voice for us. I understood very soon that words are not as important as our body language while speaking. And that you can save lots of energy by using signs instead of them. That's how we can read each other without any words. And when you give toddlers few signs, communication starts faster.
Basic signs as "enough, more, eat, drink" could be so helpful, that it is worth giving it a try.


Why it is important while teaching English?
When children are taught English and ASL together, they are processing language using both sides of the brain. This gives the children two places to recall language from instead of just one.
Research has found that the use of signs and finger spelling will accommodate a wide range of learning styles: “verbal linguistic,” kinesthetic” and “interpersonal.” Using ASL is the representation of information through seeing, hearing, and movement, and the more pathways that are created in the brain, the stronger the memory. It speeds up speech development, reduces frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves before they know how to talk, increases parent-child bonding, and lets babies communicate vital information, such as if they are hurt or hungry.



When to start?
Sooner, the better. According to my experience, babies as young as six to seven months old can remember a sign. By eight months, children can begin to sign single words and imitate gestures, and by 24 months, children can sign compound words and full sentences. I used the benefits of ASL mostly between 12 and 18 months, when toddlers already know, what they want, but don't have the vocabulary to name it yet.


My top resources:
Songs with Patty Shukla
Information ASL
Flashcards Baby sign language