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This resource offers games for helping children develop in their speaking, listening and thinking skills and this relates to the concept of interactional model of language which states that children can internalise language while listening and speaking (Halliday, 2006). During the playing of games, children could improve their syntax as they express their thoughts/ideas, and understanding what others say (Hill, 2012).

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These 12 games get kids speaking, listening and thinking. Great travel or waiting games.

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Develop speaking, listening, thinking and reasoning skills with these twelve fun verbal games to play with preschoolers, kindergarteners and bigger kids.

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This resource offers slideshow creation tool which allows children to create video with the use of pictures to tell a story and this relates to the concept of imaginative model of language which "provides some further elements of the metalanguage with words like story, make up and pretend" (Halliday, 2006, p. 32). While children use this app to create a story, it "involves turn-taking, maintaining topic relevance, understanding gestures, tone of voice and judging what kind of language form or genre to use in different social situations" (Hill, 2012, p. 23), which help to develop their pragmatic skills. In addition, it is also in line with Vygotsky's idea that learning takes place through peers assistance, support and having a common goal (Hill, 2012).

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‎Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Shadow Puppet Edu. Download Shadow Puppet Edu and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

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3. Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

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3. Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

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This youtube video offers educators in helping children develop better listening skills and this relates to the importance of developing listening skills as being able to listen to the way language is used, is essential for learning to read and write (Hill, 2012). It is also supported by the Nurturing Early Learner Framework of Singapore's Preschool Curriculum, under "the learning goal of listen for information and enjoyment, to understand and follow one- to two-step instructions" (MOE, Singapore, 2012, p. 82).

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4. Saying What You Mean - A Children's Book About Communication Skills

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4. Saying What You Mean - A Children's Book About Communication Skills

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This youtube video offers educators to understand different modes of communication that children can express themselves and communicate to others. According to research, language is a system of symbols which includes sounds, finger movement and prints (Hill, 2012), which can be seen in the video about using different intonation and sign/body language. This is supported by Vygotsky theory of children learning language through interactions with others (Hill, 2012).

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Saying What You Mean - A Children's Book About Communication Skills

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This youtube video offers different strategies to educators to support children's language development by creating a language-rich classroom, through daily read-aloud session, asking open-ended questions, encouraging children to describe events and retell stories, modelling the use of new words and discussing word meanings (LBCCMedia, 2009). This relates to the research done by Dickinson and Tabors (2002) that preschools play an important part in supporting children's language and literacy skills which will benefit them in later learning (Hill, 2012). This is also supported by the concept of 'zone of proximal development'; educators scaffold children's learning to help them achieve success (Hill, 2012).

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6. Using games to develop effective listening skills

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6. Using games to develop effective listening skills

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This website offers educators the resource of games to help children improve on their listening skills through engaging them in solving verbal puzzle as they use their listening ability, putting their listening skills to the test as they draw what they hear, knowing the importance of listening as they pass messages down the line (Meier, 2013). This relates to the Nurturing Early Learner framework, under the learning goal of "listening for information and enjoyment, to enjoy listening, understand and follow verbal instructions" (MOE, Singapore, 2012, p. 82). Under the learning goal of "speaking to convey meaning and communicate with others, to ask simple questions and responding appropriately to questions" (MOE, Singapore, 2012, p. 83). This is supported by the research of Strickland (2004), that listening and speaking help to build children's sensitivity to the sound system which promotes their phonological awareness and phonics, in another words, it serves as the base for literacy development.

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Games to Improve Listening Skills for Kids

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Using games to teach effective listening to children is a fun way to develop auditory skills and social development. Listening is key to following directions and developing the ability to remember concepts taught in the classroom. Games serve as repetitive activities that enhance these skills and cultivate auditory ...

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7. Supporting Children’s Oral Language Developmentin the Preschool Classroom

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7. Supporting Children’s Oral Language Developmentin the Preschool Classroom

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This journal offers educators the research which discussed about giving children the support to develop their oral language as it is critical for their later reading success. Therefore, educators can come to create purposeful conversations and seize the opportunity to help children build a good language foundation in acquiring rich oral language skills (Whorrall & Cabell, 2015). This relates to the theory of Vygotsky which states that children is a constructor of their knowledge and the concept of 'zone of proximal development'. As educators support children's learning by asking questions and encouraging them to reflect on their  thinking (Hill, 2012).

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8. Through the use of songs as as a way of interactions

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8. Through the use of songs as as a way of interactions

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This videos is a means for educators to pick up songs for younger children in the classroom as a "skill, strategy and language to convey and construct meaning"(MOE, Singapore, 2008, p. 46). According to Strickland (2004), this resource relates to the concept of what children learn from listening to the songs and learning to sing (verbalise in words) leads to their ability to read and write and also would help them to be competent readers. This is supported by Snow, Burns and Griffin (1998), that "a child's language development is one of the most important preconditions for literacy" (Hill, 2012, p. 20).

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This article offers a resource for educators to use sign language with young children from infant to three years old, the age group when children are acquiring oral language or beginning to express themselves verbally. It relates to the concept of "pragmatics, the social communicative side of language which involves understanding gestures" (Hill, 2012, p. 23). According to a study done on the impact of baby sign language, it shown that it is beneficial for adults to use both sign and verbal language to improve children's language development (Garcia, 2013). As children learn the signs, they are using gestures, affecting how meanings are communicated (Hill, 2012.

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9. Speaking, listening, planning and assessing: the teacher’s role in developing metacognitive awareness

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9. Speaking, listening, planning and assessing: the teacher’s role in developing metacognitive awareness

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This journal offers educators the approaches to promote effective talk between educators and children, in assessing children's progress in their oral language skills and involving them in the process of assessment (Jones, 2007). This relates to the concept of "Vygotsky's (1978) description of the 'zone of proximal development'"(Jones, 2007, p. 575),  as children learn through language while interacting with their peers (Hill, 2012).

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Speaking listening planning and assessing the teacher s role in developing metacognitive awareness

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Research on baby sign language has found that teaching baby signs improved cognitive and emotional development. Far from slowing down speech, baby sign language actually increases the rate of verbal development and at the same time increases the parent/child bond.

The most significant research was an NIH-funded study comparing two groups of 11-month-old babies. One group was taught baby sign language. The second group was given verbal training. Surprisingly, the signing group were more advanced talkers than the group given verbal training. The lead of the signing group continued to grow, with the signers exhibiting verbal skills three months ahead of the non-signers at two years old. Their lead seemed to shrink a little after two years old, but even at three years old, the signers were still ahead ¹.

The authors of the NIH study followed up with the children at eight years old. Surprisingly, there was still a difference. Signers showed IQ's 12 points higher than the non-signers, even though they had long since stopped signing. This put the signers in the top 25% of eight year olds, compared to the non-signers, who were close to average ².

Results like these have led to research on how signing could be used to improve early infant education. This research has turned up a whole host of benefits to signing. Some of these benefits include making mothers feel better about themselves and more "tuned in" to their baby, reducing baby distress and improving communication between parent and child ³.

Now keep in mind that these studies have all been relatively small - the NIH-funded study, for example, had only 100 babies. However, these early results look very promising. These results, combined with all the anecdotal reports from signing parents, gives a lot of reason to be very optimistic about the results from future baby sign language research.

1. Susan W. Goodwyn, Linda P. Acredolo and Catherine A. Brown. Impact of Symbolic Gesturing on Early Language Development, Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 24, 81-103 (2000). Link to paper
2. Linda P. Acredolo, and Susan W. Goodwyn, The Longterm Impact of Symbolic Gesturing During Infancy on IQ at Age 8, International Conference on Infant Studies (July 18, 2000: Brighton, UK).
3. Claire D. Vallotton, Catherine C. Ayoub, Symbols Build Communication and Thought: The Role of Gestures and Words in the Development of Engagement Skills and Social-Emotional Concepts During Toddlerhood, Social Development 19:3,601-626 (August 2010) Link to abstract

If you found this information useful, check out our award-winning baby sign language kit. It includes more than 600 signs, covers advanced teaching methods for faster results, and includes fun teaching aids like flash cards.

The Deluxe Baby Sign Language Kit, bundles together everything you need to get started with signing in one box, at a steep discount. The kit includes: (1) Baby Sign Language Guide Book; (2) Baby Sign Language Dictionary; (3) Baby Sign Language Flash Cards; and (4) Baby Sign Language Wall Chart.

Baby Sign Language Guide Book shows you how to teach your child how to sign. The book begins with a Quick Start Guide that will teach you your first signs and get you ready to sign in 30 minutes. As your baby progresses, you can delve into more advanced topics like combining signs to make phrases, using props, and transitioning to speech. (Regularly $19.95)

Baby Sign Language Dictionary contains over 600 signs, including the most common words, the alphabet and numbers. The dictionary helps you expand your child's vocabulary and has the breadth of coverage that lets you follow any child's natural interests. Each sign is illustrated with two or more diagrams, showing you the starting position, the ending position, and intermediate motion. This makes learning new signs easy. (Regularly $19.95)

Baby Sign Language Flash Cards include 52 sturdy board (4×6 inches) flash cards, covering a variety of basic signs. The flash cards allow you to teach words, such as animal names, that Baby is not exposed to in everyday life. The face of the flash cards shows the word and image for the child. The back of the flash cards show how the sign is performed - a handy reminder for the adult. (Regularly $24.95)

Baby Sign Language Wall Chart includes 22 basic signs and makes a handy reminder for caregivers. The Baby Sign Language Wall Chart covers basic signs, like eat, drink, and sleep. Hang the poster in Baby's nursery to help babysitters or other occasional caregivers learn and decode the most commonly used baby signs. (Regularly $9.95)

100% Signing Guarantee
Your baby signs to your complete satisfaction, or you get a full refund.

No questions. No time limits. No regrets.

Baby Sign Language Guide Book

Learn the best techniques for effectively teaching baby sign language. Including:

* Quick Start Guide - learn the first 10 signs and the basic principles required to start teaching your baby to sign (Chapter 1).

* Advanced Teaching Methods - use teaching aids like books, flash cards, and toys to keep lessons interesting and challenging (Chapter 5).

* Phrases - teach your baby to combine signs and communicate more complex thoughts (Chapter 6).

* Taming the Terrible Twos - reduce frustration and tantrums by enabling your toddler to communicate (Chapter 7).

* Transitioning to Speech - use sign language to expedite and improve speech development (Chapter 8).

Sarah learned her first 10 signs at six month and it made our lives much easier. Instead of screaming, she could tell us when she was hungry, thirsty, or tired. She learned another 50 signs by nine months and that was a blast. Now she is talking much earlier than the other children in her preschool and we think it is because of her signing.

We can't imagine missing out on all the little things she shared with baby sign language. Thank You!
- Bennett & Melissa Z., CA

Pediatrician Approved
"It's easy to see why so many parents swear by it, why child care centers include it in their infant and toddler classrooms, and why it has become so commonplace as an activity of daily learning ... we approve."
Heading Home With Your Newborn (Second Edition)
Dr. Laura A. Jana MD FAAP & Dr .Jennifer Shu MD FAAP

American Academy of Pediatricians

Baby Sign Language Flash Cards

52 high quality flash cards (4 x 6″). Featuring:

* Clean Images - real life pictures, isolated on a white background to make learning easier.

* Signs on the Rear - diagrams on the back illustrating the signign motion in case you need a reminder.

* Baby Friendly - printed on thick stock so little hands can play with the cards and they will live to play another day.

I was thrilled to see how easy the signs were for Abigail (3) and Eden (21 months). Much to my surprise they could figure out many of the signs from the flashcards on their own.
- Carrie P., TX

Study: Signing Enriches
"The Sign Training group told us over and over again ... [signing] made communication easier and interactions more positive."

"these data demonstrate clearly that ... [signing] ... seems to "jump start" verbal development"

"can facilitate and enrich interactions between parent and child"
Impact of Symbolic Gesturing on Early Language Development
Dr. Susan Goodwyn, Dr. Linda Acredolo, & Dr. Catherine Brown

Journal of Nonverbal Behavior

Baby Sign Language Dictionary

The Baby Sign Language Dictionary includes :

* Words (500+) - learn signs for nearly every topic of interest.

* Letters - sign the alphabet and teach basic spelling.

* Numbers (0-10) - introduce counting and basic mathematics.

Nicholas loves his signs and it lights up our lives every time he shares one of his little secrets. He is so observant, and we would miss it all without the signs.
- Donald Family, NY

Baby Sign Language Wall Chart

The full color wall chart (24 x 36″) includes 17 everyday signs. Use the wall chart for:

* Caregivers - help babysitters and other caregivers learn the basic signs so they can understand baby's signs.

* Family - teach family the basic signs so they can join in the fun.

Everyone thought I was nuts when I started. A month later, all my friends saw Michelle's first signs. Then they wanted to know how they could start.

Michelle is talking now and doesn't sign much anymore, but it gave her a headstart over other children her age. Everyone says she talks like a three year old. Now she is helping me teach her baby brother Jordan how to sign.
- Adelaide S., CA

Study: Better in School
A group of second graders who signed as infants, performed better academically than a control group six years later. The signers had a 12 IQ point advantage.
Longterm Impact of Symbolic Gesturing During Infancy at Age 8
Dr. Linda P. Acredolo (Professor, U.C. Davis)

Dr. Susan W. Goodwyn (Professor, California State University)

100% No Regret Guarantee
Your baby loves signing, or a full refund.

As you can tell, we love Baby Sign Language. It transformed the way we interacted with our children, and we want every family to have the opportunity. Baby Sign Language will make a difference for your child. Give it a try.

If for any reason you aren't completely blown away, we will cheerfully give you a complete refund, including standard shipping. No time limit. We are that confident!

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Research on baby sign language has found that teaching baby signs improved cognitive and emotional development. Far from slowing down speech, baby sign language actually increases the rate of verbal development and at the same time increases the parent/child bond. The most significant research was an NIH-funded study comparing two groups of 11-month-old babies.

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11.  The daily journal: Using language experience strategies in an emergent literacy curriculum 

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11.  The daily journal: Using language experience strategies in an emergent literacy curriculum 

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This resource offers educators the Language Experience Approach (LEA) to enhance children's use of language in a comfortable and confident manner (Strickland & Morrow, 1990). It relates to the concept "on how children develop, and the role of adults in leading the child's early development" (Hill, 2012, p. 3), which could be shown through the process of LEA, while adult scaffold children's learning by asking questions before writing down children's responses. This is supported by Allen (1976), which states that children start to read text written down by adult according to what they have spoken (Hill, 2012).

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Using Language Experience Strategies in an Emergent Literacy Curriculum