CDC teaches baby sign to give children a voice

Published Feb. 22, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Kristian Carter
92nd ARW Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma, ppphhhtttt.

It may not sound like "more milk," but the sign that goes with it is a very clear means of communication.

This is the thinking behind a new initiative at the Child Development Center here. They have started using a baby sign program to teach a simplified sign language in the classrooms.

The idea is that babies and very young children may lack the verbal skills to express their desires, but they are capable of using modified sign language to communicate with the teachers and other children, said Nancy Keeton, training and curriculum specialist.

"Signing with the children allows for a more peaceful and relaxing environment in the classroom," she said.

The signs, which have been adapted for children who are still developing their language skills, are being used here and at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in a pilot program for Air Mobility Command bases and soon will be at all Air Force Bases.

This particular program's signs are based on Baby Signs.

The program was developed by two doctors, Dr. Acredolo & Dr. Goodwyn who have performed more than 20 years of research on the use of sign language with hearing babies. They also conducted a long-term study of more than 140 families. The study measured the children for language development at several different stages in age. According to the study's findings, the children who were taught sign language had larger vocabularies than the children that only used spoken language.

Ms. Keeton, who has been with the CDC for two-and-a-half years, said that the center's caregivers are teaching the signs to children ranging in age from newborn to 3. She went on to say that if started around birth children can use some simple signs by 6 -7 months and become proficient by 18-24 months.

The center is currently instructing the children on the use of about 32 signs.

Ms. Keeton & Renee Richer are instructing the teachers at the CDC and Family Child Care. The family child care providers are the caregivers who provide the service in their homes on base.

Robin Bein, a program technician in the classroom, said, "Using the signs during mealtime makes it easier to know what the children want." She continued by saying the signs help the children to talk to each other in the classroom.

Teachers in the classroom have many tools available to help teach sign to the children. One of these is Beebo the bear. Beebo is a large puppet that can be strapped around the chest of an adult who then inserts their arms into the puppets arms, allowing for the signs to appear to be coming from the bear.

Parents of the children who are enrolled in the program can help to develop their children's skills by using signs with the children at home. Ms. Keeton said she expects that the center will soon have packs with books and other tools available for parents to check out and use at home. To find out more about this program go to www.babysigns.com.