Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most commonly used languages in the US? And it also holds numerous benefits for preschoolers.
At Growing Angels ASL is one of the lessons we teach our young students thanks to research showing its positive impact on communication skills, cognitive development, and more. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of sign language for young children and provide you with engaging language activities that can be easily incorporated into your classroom.
1. Increased Communication Skills
Introducing sign language to young children can accelerate their speech development. Studies have shown that exposure to sign language helps children grasp spoken words more effectively, comprehend sentence structures, and develop the ability to form longer sentences later in life. Furthermore, by engaging multiple senses, sign language aids in vocabulary retention, providing children with an expanded repertoire of words.
2. Lower Levels of Frustration
Tantrums and meltdowns often stem from the inability to effectively communicate thoughts and emotions. By learning sign language, children gain a means to express themselves more clearly, reducing frustration for themselves and for their teachers and parents. Improved communication can strengthen the bond between our educators and children, fostering a more harmonious learning environment.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Skills
Bilingualism has been found to enhance cognitive abilities in children. Learning ASL has been specifically linked to improved creative thinking, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. Preschoolers proficient in sign language have shown an average 17% higher performance on early childhood standardized tests and potential IQ increases of up to 12 points.
4. Improved Attention
Mastering sign language requires focused attention on the signs being communicated. By teaching sign language to toddlers, their ability to concentrate and observe the world around them is enhanced. This improved focus can translate into better listening skills and overall attentiveness.
Integrating sign language into early childhood education can yield numerous benefits for children, sign language offers a transformative learning experience. By incorporating these language activities into our classrooms at Growing Angels Inc., we create an inclusive and engaging environment that promotes holistic development for every child.
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