If you did sign language, how long did they sign?

My girls just turned two and they still use their signs a lot, along with speaking the word. They also pick up signs very quickly from Signing Time. I'm just curious if the signing fades away, or can I use this opportunity for them to learn ASL as a second language? We have always wanted to teach them a second language, but neither of us know one, and being in a small town, there aren't things like preschools with language emmersion.
Any time I find signing classes, they are designed for babies beggining signs, and my girls are beyond that. Does anyone know if something like preschooler-age sign language classes exist? Or maybe I should take an adult ASL class and then teach them?

 

Yes, the signs will be eventually all replaced by language. The more confident they feel at talking they will most likely drop the signs. I think it is a wonderful language to learn. If you want them to know ASL I would probably look into a class.

My boys started talking and dropped most of their signing but I still sign away while I talk. I talk in Germany only.

Good Luck!

 

Like mentioned, the signing dispates as they become confident with their words. There were a couple signs that they held unto for awhile...."Please" and "More". They used those 2 signs in addition to the word until about 2.5yrs. It was cute. Occasionally, they do a few signs....and show me how much they remember.

In order to become fluent in a second language, you really have to use it frequently. I studied French for over 6years in high school and college. I have found that I have forgotten alot especially conversational French (can read much better). I would think that they would have the most chance of becoming fluent with the help of a skilled parent knowing ASL in addition to classes. Most likely a school for the deaf could help you find a child ASL program.

I think that you might find that once your girls become non-stop talkers, their interest in signing may decrease. Especially, if your family does not sign in the home. Kids like to be loud and get their point across verbally...ALL the time..it seems.

 

My boys still use a lot of the signs they learned, along with the words. They even have picked up on new ones. My friend's daughter has had her signs fade away a while ago. As for learning ASL as a 2nd language, it is commendable, but, honestly, a hearing person will never become truly fluent in using ASL (I have studied a lot about Deaf culture in my audiology studies). They can become close, but it really will take a lot of immersion, just like learning any foreign language. That being said, giving them the roots to start is a great idea! I'm actually thinking of taking a course as in my new job I find myself working with a handful of patients who sign and I think this will help me be a better practitioner.

In terms of classes, we have a woman around here who is an ASL translator (I think someone in her family is Deaf) and she has made providing these ASL workshops and classes her living. Perhaps there is someone in your area like that.

 

once my girls became fluent and very vocal with their words they stopped signing as much. I still occasionally put baby signs in and they watch it and it sparks up their interest again. I have a poster of the sign language in alphabet by their breakfast and craft table and a regular poster of the alphabet and they like to know they sign when they ask what a letter is. I also go over the signs with them every couple weeks just so we are all refreshing our brain. I would love it too if they could use it as a second language but we need to practice it more.

 

kelly i've been wondering the same thing. mine have always talked a TON and they are VERY comfortable with language but they still love to sign and do so all the time - probably because they watch a signing video almost every day. i would really love them to learn more as well and thought about a class for them but haven't looked into it yet. let me know if you find anything!

 

My girls stopped at @ age 2. They will only do it now upon my request.