5 First Signs That Reduce Frustration and Build Communication for Young Children
- Vielka Montout
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
A toddler points.
They reach.
They cry.
They know what they want.
You are trying to understand.
This moment happens in almost every home with young children. It also occurs in classrooms. When children do not yet have the words they need, frustration can grow quickly. Signs provide children with another way to communicate while their speech is still developing.
Why Early Signs Help
Research in early language development shows that children benefit from having access to communication tools before speech is fully established. Signing allows children to express their needs, emotions, and ideas using their hands while their spoken language continues to grow.
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, visual language is essential for access. For hearing children, signs support early communication and reduce frustration. Language access early in life supports stronger vocabulary development, social interaction, and confidence in communication.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 2023.
Five Signs to Start With
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Children use this sign during meals, play, and activities.
EAT
This sign helps children communicate hunger and mealtime needs.
HELP
This sign encourages children to ask for assistance instead of becoming frustrated.
FRIEND
This sign supports social connection and helps children communicate about the people around them.
LOVE
This sign builds connection and emotional communication.
When these signs become part of daily routines, children begin to recognize that their communication matters.
What This Looks Like at Home
Choose one routine each day. For example, during snack time:
Show the food.
Say the word eat.
Make the sign.
Repeat the sign each time the child asks for more.
Consistency helps children connect the movement, the word, and the meaning. Over time, many children begin to imitate the signs themselves.
What This Looks Like in Classrooms
Teachers and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) can introduce signs during:
Morning circle
Snack time
Transitions
Storytime
Signs paired with visual cues and repetition support all learners, including multilingual students and those with communication delays.
Try This Activity
Ask your child or students to practice signing more and help today. Model the sign every time the situation occurs. Children learn through repetition and meaningful use.
Connecting to Books
Books can make signs easier to remember. When children see signs used within stories and everyday moments, they understand that signing is a natural part of communication.
In Little Signs, Big Smiles, each page introduces a meaningful sign paired with a simple rhyme and illustration. Families and teachers often use the book during daily routines to reinforce early communication.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is key in helping children learn signs. When you use signs regularly, children begin to associate the signs with their meanings. This connection builds their confidence and encourages them to use signs independently.
Consider incorporating signs into various daily activities. Whether during meals, playtime, or reading, consistent use of signs helps children feel empowered in their communication.
Encouraging Emotional Expression
Using signs like love can help children express their feelings. Emotional communication is vital for young children. It allows them to share their feelings and connect with others. When children can express their emotions, they feel more secure and understood.
Encourage your child to use signs to express how they feel. This practice not only enhances their vocabulary but also fosters emotional intelligence.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for children learning to sign. Surround them with positive reinforcement. Celebrate their efforts, no matter how small. This encouragement nurtures their confidence and willingness to communicate.
Incorporate signs into your home or classroom decor. Visual reminders can reinforce learning and make signing a fun part of everyday life.
Reflection
What is one moment during your day when a child might benefit from having another way to communicate? Reflect on how you can incorporate signs into those moments.
Explore more resources and activities for early ASL learning at www.quitaislove.com.
By embracing early signs, we can empower young minds to communicate effectively. Let's nurture their growth and celebrate their unique voices.
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