Sign Language

American Sign Language Animal Signs for Your Toddler and Preschooler

by Mindi Stavish on January 28, 2013

ASL animal signs
It’s been many months since I posted an American Sign Language tutorial, even though I have so many great ideas for them. Life has just been busy and my almost four-year-old is not always a willing participant. This past weekend I managed to catch him on a good moment and even little Noah wanted in on the fun.

Before I share with you my boy’s favorite animal american sign language signs, here are some tips to get you started.

Top Tips for Teaching Your Child American Sign Language

1. When teaching a child american sign language, it is typical for them to modify the sign based on their fine motor skills. Do not worry if your child is able to get the sign exactly correct.
2. Model new sign vocabulary frequently throughout your daily routines.
3. Start by teaching 1-2 new signs a week. Once your child begins picking up signs more quickly, increase the number of new signs you teach in a given time period.
4. Keep it fun! Praise your child with any attempt they make at signing. You will be amazed at just how fast they pick it up.

Fun with Animal American Sign Language

Spider
Hand Motion: Cross your arms in front of you, palms down. Bend your fingers (as if they are spider legs) and wiggle then up and down, moving them forward.

Lifeprint American Sign Language picture tutorial for spider

Bat
Hand Motion: Cross your hands against your chest and flick your pointer fingers out twice.

For a detailed picture version please visit Lifeprint American Sign Language Tutorial

Cat
Hand Motion: Place your hand at the bottom of your nose in the “open F” shape and move the hand shape out, while changing it to a normal F shape. I teach the boys this sign by telling them to draw the cat’s whiskers.

Lifeprint American Sign Langauge picture tutorial for cat

Fish
Hand Motion: Wave your right hand back and forth (a few inches) at your stomach level, like the movement of a fish swimming.


Lifeprint American Sign Language picture tutorial for fish

Mouse
Hand Motion: Brush your nose with your index finger two times

Lifeprint American Sign Language picture tutorial for mouse

Tiger
Hand Motion: Place hands at cheeks with palms facing in and elbows up and out. Move your hands away from your face, as if you were clawing your cheeks and repeat.

Lifeprint American Sign Language picture tutorial for tiger

Turtle
Hand Motion: Place your left hand in a “A” shape (hand in a fist with thumb up to the sky), while placing your right hand on top of your left hand. Leave the top of your thumb sticking out (as if a turtle head) and wiggle your thumb up and down a few times.
*This sign is still hard for Xander, who is almost four. It’s okay if your child modifies the sign!

Lifeprint Tutorial for turtle

About halfway through making these short clips, Xander started getting antsy and began using his favorite Halloween signs. This led to both of the boys pretending to be ghosts. Here is an outtakes of the insanity.

If you have any questions about these signs or have any suggestions for future sign language posts, please feel free to get in touch with me on Twitter or Facebook!

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How to Teach Your Child Sign Language During Mealtime (with giveaway)

by Mindi Stavish on September 10, 2012

teach your child sign language- mealtime

Many parents ask me why they should teach their child sign language, when their language development isn’t delayed. Typically developing children who are taught a handful of signs as babies often begin speaking sooner than children who aren’t. Why wouldn’t you want to give your child the power of communication to decrease their frustration?

The best way to begin to teach your child sign language is during everyday activities, such as mealtime. Meals are a perfect way to include the entire family in the process. Older children seem to enjoy teaching their siblings signs. Your child will be more successful at learning new signs if all family members use the signs with him/her.

Depending on your child’s age, start with 1 to 2 new signs when introducing new vocabulary. Once your child starts to use the new signs consistently, introduce 1 to 2 more new ones. It is okay if your child has a difficult time using the precise hand shapes of each sign. Accuracy of the signs will improve as your child’s fine motor skills improve. In the video examples, my three year old has a difficult time signing “bowl” and “spoon” accurately, but his approximations are close.

Teach Your Child Sign Language During Mealtime

Eat

The sign for “eat” is made by placing your fingers and thumb together and tapping your mouth several times.

Hungry

The sign for “hungry” is made by placing your right hand in the shape of a “C” at your throat. Then move your hand down to your stomach.

Bowl

The sign for “bowl” is made by slighting curving both hands hands and touching your finger tips together (palms facing up).  Move your hands out and up, making the shape of a bowl.

Spoon

The sign for “spoon” is made by holding your left palm up near your stomach and placing your right hand in the letter “h” on top of the left hand. Move your right hand toward your mouth, as if you are scooping with your spoon.

Please refer to ASL University for a more detailed demonstration of “spoon”.

Finish

The sign “finish” is made by placing both your open hands in front of you (fingers pointed upward). Then twist both hands ending with your palms pointed slightly forward.

Check out my post on how to teach your child sign language for manners , after all manners should be used at the dinner table, right?

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How to Teach Your Child Sign Language with a Giveaway!

Xander and I had the pleasure of reviewing the book Let’s Sign: Every Baby’s Guide to Communicating with Grownups written by Kelly Ault and Illustrated by Leo Landry. The book teaches signs focused around everyday activities: mealtime, playtime and bedtime. The illustrations include colorful hand drawn children with simple directions for each sign.

This is the first time I have used a book to teach Xander sign language.  He has  enjoyed looking at the book while I’m teaching him new signs.  Over the past few days he has been more interested in the sign for certain words and frequently asks me to look in his dictionary for the sign.  I love to watch a child’s excitement when using  books to learn new skills and have really enjoyed using Let’s Sign with Xander.

Let’s Sign:  Every Baby’s Guide to Communicating with Grownups  is a great way to get your child interested in using sign language in a variety of settings. One lucky reader will win a copy of the book!

This post contains affiliate links.

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