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Sign Language Stimulates the Brain
September 21, 2006
When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do, our work takes on the quality of play and it is play that stimulates creativity.
-Linda Naiman
-Linda Naiman
Kay Rush, in her article, “Using Sign Language in High/Scope Programs,” in High/Scope Extensions (Summer 2005; www.highscope.com), notes that teaching all preschool children sign language assists them in literacy and learning a second language. She observes…
“Signing is a kinetic act that stimulates activity in both the right brain, which is responsible for visual-spatial reasoning and long-term memory, and the left brain, which is responsible for processing language. When you are signing with hearing children, you are not only reinforcing their existing language, you are also giving them another way to express a concept they already know, thus creating another connection to that information in their brain. This process also helps to establish two storage places for language memory on the brain’s left side: one for the native language of the user, the other for sign. So children who use both spoken language and sign language develop a built-in backup memory, storing the same word in two different ways in separate areas of the left brain….
“Using sign language increases children’s vocabulary in a relatively pressure-free manner. Research studies show hearing children who used sign language in their preschool classes scored better on vocabulary tests and attained higher reading levels than their non-signing peers.”
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Comments (10)
Displaying All 10 CommentsSprouting New Beginnings
Cave Creek, AZ, United States
Thank you for the great article. As educators ourselves we have been training families and educators on the program based on the award-winning program from Dr. Joseph Garcia (Sign2Me), it warms my heart that someone is finally recognizing what we have been training on for several years. Thank you for recommending this type of program!!
Sch. Dist. of Oconee Co.
Seneca, SC, United States
I know this is a wonderful program for parental bonding and developing the brains of babies and toddlers. I teach sign language to not only parents and their children, but also for the State Department/Dept. of Social Services (Child Care Providers Professional Training Center) in South Carolina. There is much information out there on sign language, babies, and early brain development. It is really worth the time to investigate the benefits for your business, your children and staff in your centers and/or staff you employ.
CLPD Barlina House Preschool
Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States
Hi! Karen
Thank you for the great article on "Sign Language". I have been teaching sign language in my 4 and 5 yr. old preschool classes for ten years. First I started using only a few words such as thank you, please, and the alphabet, but now I use it in all my fingerplays and songs. We sign and sing Happy Birthday, all of our Hello and Thank you songs and many more. I used sign language because I thought it would help them with their small motor skills and also help them to be able to listen better. By the end of the school year they are able to sign their name and the alphabet without to much trouble. It's nice to know there are so many more benefits in using it.
United States
I would like to read the entire article but haven't been able to access it through the link in the article. Any help?
Southfield, MI, United States
Thank you for sharing this vital information! It is very helpful and I plan to began to teach my 4 yr. old nephew ASL, ASAP! :-)
I always enjoy your Sign-mime choir and I excitedly look forward to this year's concert next month. Is there a website where I can view the details on the concert? Tickets?
TY!
Radiant Kidz Zone
Surprise, Arizona, United States
The idea that signing stimulates both sides of the brain was new information to me and I was so excited that I made copies of the article for my teaching staff. All 45 of them were very happy to read the article and are motivated to find even more ways to incorporate signing into their everyday activites.
Thanks for your committment to excellence!
Mothercraft
Toronto, Ontario, United States
Can anyone provide me with the link to this entire article. A search on the High Scope website did not yield results.
Thanks!
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Dear Karen,
Great article!!! That is the reason I taught Sign Language to the hearing children in my 4th and 5th graders for over 27 years. They seem to remember their math facts and spelling words so much better, their math grades improved and their self esteem soared because of it. I received an email from one of my 5th graders early this year, who is now in her first teaching position in Florida. She did continue her sign language and she stated that she believed that helped her get this position. This one made the 31 1/2 years of teaching worth while. God Bless her...and God bless you for your love of the language, the children and the people you have touched. When I tell people that I am part of the LUYHM they say, "OH, I know her!! Isn't she wonderful?" And I have to agree. Thank you, Min. Rush
High/Scope
Ypsilanti, MI, United States
How can I see the comments of others about this article? Please contact me if you would like to read the whole article in its entirety.
United States
I am a director of a center and we started sign language in our infant classroom about 6 years ago. Simple signs such as: eat, play, shoes, more, milk,book,... are used on a daily basis. We've noticed by the age of 7 or 8 months the child will sign. It is so exciting when we see the babies start signing to the caregiver and they are able to communicate what they want.
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