Assimilation

By reviewing books, websites and videos I extrapolated information about the benefits of signing with babies. In my previous post I discussed the three main benefits agreed upon by leading experts in the field of baby signing.  However, each signing program listed additional positive aspects of signing with infants. There are so many that I will not be able to investigate or discuss them all for this inquiry. I created a basic table in Google Docs to display what benefits each program advocates. I also added a column with the benefits I have personally observed through my own experiences of signing with babies. You can use this table as a starting point to expand your own search if you would like. 


See the table of benefits HERE


I enter a weaving and assimilation phase of inquiry as I merge my prior knowledge of baby signs with new information. Callison (2006) writes that assimilation "...involves the actions to absorb and fit information to that which is already known, believed, or assumed by the learner. Assimilation involves accumulation of knowledge, alteration of accepted knowledge, and constant consideration of alternatives." I had some unconfirmed previous knowledge of the benefits of signing with babies.  Through my discovery process I have encountered research that supports my own assumptions. I have also found new information that furthers my understanding of infant sign language. One benefit that is discussed by numerous baby sign experts is that signing can enhance the parent/child bond.  I had never considered this as a benefit. 


Let's see what the experts have to say:

• Joseph Garcia (2005) writes, "Using manual communication with your infants can help build a solid foundation for mutual understanding, dramatically contributing to the bonding process."
• Monta Briant, in her video Baby Sign Language Basics, argues that the greatest benefit of signing with babies is that it builds the parent/child bond by allowing children to express their ideas and learn that their thoughts and needs are important.
•  Rachel Coleman, founder of Signing Time, says, "Sign language is a wonderful tool that allows even very small children to express themselves. Most parents that sign with their babies talk about an unexplainable [sic] bond that is felt when their child communicates so early!" 
• Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn, founders of Baby Signs, state, "Because babies using baby sign language are able to communicate effectively with their caregivers, the number of positive interactions goes up and the number of negative interactions goes down. In other words, when a baby and parent can truly understand each other and share what's on their minds, they feel more connected to one another." 

I had never thought that signing with babies could strengthen the parent/child bond, but I encountered it again and again during my search process. Now that I  added this information to my previous knowledge I began watching" and "wondering" about it in my own life. Emma and I have a very strong bond due to many factors aside from signing. However, as I considered how we use signs to interact throughout the day I can definitely see that it could enhance the bonding experience. Signing allows us to communicate at a much higher level than most parents with a 14 month old. Signing with each other is a natural part of our daily routines. I am able to reinforce my instructions by signing along with verbal words so that I ensure she understands what I mean to convey.  Likewise, Emma "tells" me what she sees and needs through words and signs. Today I did not understand the word she was trying to say so after I asked her what she meant she said the word and made the sign. I was then able to figure out that she had seen a ladybug on the floor. 

Signing with Emma was something I started because I knew that when a child can sign "more" and "eat" life is much easier. I did not realize how easily and quickly it would become a supportive part of our lives. I am currently trying to learn more signs because my signing vocabulary is about empty and Emma wants to know more signs for animals and words. This inquiry is allowing me opportunities to learn even more ways to include signing in my life, and hopefully share the experience with others. I never considered signing as a way to bond with your child, now I look forward to learning more signs so that we can explore the world together.