Choosing Australian resources for signing with baby

One thing I am really looking forward to when my baby is born is using signs to help develop his/her language and communication before she/he can speak. As a Speech Pathologist I often recommended using key word signs with children who were late to talk, especially those with ear infections. 

I am a little hesitant to use the term "babysign" because I suspect it might be trademarked so I refer to it as signing with baby.

THERE ARE SOME GREAT RESOURCES OUT THERE BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO STICK TO ONES FROM YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

If you choose to use sign with your baby you have the choice of making up your own signs or using the signs from the sign languge of your country. In Australia that language is Auslan. There is a fantastic free online Auslan dictionary available at http://www.auslan.org.au/

There are many resources for signing with babies available on the internet and at libraries, but it is important to check which country they are from as each country has it's own version of sign language so the American sign for dog is likely to be different from the Australian sign for dog which is likely to be different from the British sign for dog.

When we sign with baby (or toddler) we are using signs to help the child understand spoken English so it is very important to speak the words as  we sign them. That way the child learns to connect the sign with the spoken word. We only sign the key words.

When looking for resources for signing with baby in Australia you may also like to search under the term "Makaton". Makaton is the use of Auslan signs with spoken English. It is often used with children with special needs but can be great for developing the comprehension of normally developing children too.

The Variety Club of Tasmania has a video of nursery rhymes and songs using Makaton which may be appropriate to families and groups using signing with babies.