Knowing where to start when identifying the most optimal communication strategies for your child can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are many alternative communication methods that are out there, and if you haven’t already explored Sign Language, I’d encourage you to check out Sign Tribe Academy to see how we can help.

 

You may be feeling frustrated knowing that your child struggles with communicating effectively, leading to an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. There are many alternative communication methods that are out there, and if you haven’t already explored Sign Language, I’d encourage you to check out Sign Tribe Academy to see how we can help.

Let’s not forget that non-verbal communication is a form of communication. Even if your child doesn’t know Sign Language or doesn’t possess age-appropriate communication skills, take some time to recognize and “read” their responses through facial expressions and body language. Typically you can identify positive and negative responses through that form of non-verbal communication and cues.

If your child is beginning to use Sign Language, you may notice them using modified Sign Language. Modified Sign Language, or signs that are close to the correct way of signing, are okay. Your child may have physical limitations due to developmental milestones or areas of fine motor development, and as long as you and your child are communicating, that’s what matters. I’d suggest to continue signing the words the correct way and give your child time to learn and adjust as they are able. A couple of strategies that are useful to learning and teaching Sign Language are integration in day-to-day activities and taking some time to teach in micro lessons.

One strategy to help encourage the use of Sign Language is to integrate it in to the day-to-day communication of routine events or objects used, including tasks or foods. You can pair the sign along with voicing the word to assist with association and comprehension of what you are signing.
In addition, you can also pair the sign with visuals such as a visual schedule to help establish routine and if-then scenarios or pair signs with an object such as: water, apple, book, tablet, and more. I encourage you to use a combination of all of these strategies to help generalize communication skills in different situations.

Another strategy to help encourage the use of Sign Language is utilizing micro lessons. I describe these micro lessons as dedicated, short-sessions on teaching specific sign language vocabulary and the length of lessons depend on the learner’s attention span and motivation. For your lessons, you can use materials to support your teaching such as picture books, flash cards, visual schedules, or objects around you that the child enjoys. In addition to micro lessons, continue integrating these words within your daily activities to help with comprehension and generalization.

The methods in which you choose to teach Sign Language for communication will depend on what works best for you and your child, according to motivation, ability, and willingness to learn. Regardless of which strategy works best for you, consistency and routine are very important, and if what you’re teaching is applicable to your child, it’ll matter even more.

For more tips, check out one of my YouTube videos about communication strategies.