French Baby Sign Language :
Using Baby Sign Language to Support Bilingual Babies
Supporting bilingualism in the early years is a unique and rewarding experience for every child and family.
Baby Sign Language is an effective way to support your baby to communicate their needs before they are able to use their words. Your baby’s receptive language develops as they learn to associate spoken words to an object or action. For example, your baby will learn that the word ‘milk’ is followed by receiving a bottle. Take this cognitive process another step further, and they can also learn that ‘lait’ leads to that same outcome.
Using Baby Sign Language can help your baby make the connection between these two spoken languages, and it can facilitate bilingual interactions between parent and child. Essentially, it is an early communication tool!
Baby Sign Language can become the bridge that connects spoken languages:
Try these techniques at home!
Mirroring:
When introducing a Baby Sign, perform the sign in front of your baby as you repeat the associated French word. Encourage your baby to mirror your action!
Hand-Over-Hand:
For Baby Signs that require advanced dexterity, model the action by holding your baby’s hand or arms to demonstrate how to sign.
Jennie is a Registered Early Childhood Educator in Ottawa, Ontario. Her interests in the early years lead her to research topics, such as early language acquisition, mental health in young children, inclusive classrooms, and antiracist education.