Signing to support language development
Signing isn’t just for children who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or navigating developmental delays. While sign systems like Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Key Word Sign (KWS) are vital tools for these children, adding visual signs to everyday communication offers tremendous benefits for all young children learning to communicate.
Signing alongside natural speech does not delay spoken language. Instead, pairing a visual gesture with a spoken word gives little ones a bridge to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions long before their mouth and tongue muscles can coordinate complex speech sounds.
What Does the Evidence Tell Us?
Research reveals that combining gestures and speech provides a powerful, multi-layered boost to early development:
More Shared Focus, Vocabulary, and Longer Phrases: Embedding signs into everyday routines, like shared book reading or early childcare circle times, dramatically increases back-and-forth conversational turns and sustained attention. Children exposed to signs alongside speech consistently show larger gains in both receptive and expressive spoken vocabulary, while learning to construct longer, more complex phrases than they can with spoken words alone (Frizelle et al., 2022; Pattison & Robertson, 2016; Vallotton, 2012).
Fewer Meltdowns and Better Emotional Regulation: Symbolic signs give pre-verbal toddlers a practical way to express internal states, needs, and physical discomfort well before their speech catches up. This direct communication line significantly cuts down daily frustrations and tantrums, lowers parental stress, and supports smoother emotional regulation for everyone involved (Vallotton, 2008).
Inclusive Playrooms Powered by Everyday Core Words: Introducing key word signing across early learning settings helps playrooms become inclusive environments where children of all communication abilities connect and play together. The secret to success isn't drilling hundreds of terms; focusing on a tight set of versatile, high-frequency "core" words unlocks spontaneous daily conversations much faster (Cologon & Mevawalla, 2018; Frizelle & Lyons,2022).
How to Get Started at Home
You do not need to become fluent in sign language to see results. The key is simply using key word signing: speak in your normal, full sentences, and sign 1-2 main words as you say them.
1. Start with 1–2 Everyday Words
Pick functional, everyday words that appear across regular daily routines, such as:
"More": Perfect for meal times and games (e.g., asking "Do you want more pasta?" or "Do you want more tickles?" while signing more).
"Where": Great for peek-a-boo or finding lost items (e.g., "Where did the ball go?" while signing where).
Model these consistently each day. Don’t worry if your child only watches at first; children always understand words long before they attempt to sign or say them.
2. Follow What Genuinely Excites Them
Once you feel comfortable with your first few signs, branch out into your child’s favourite things:
If your toddler is obsessed with dinosaurs, cars, bubbles, or apples, learn the specific signs for those things.
Use the signs while playing directly with those items or reading stories about them. When communication connects to what a child already loves, learning happens naturally.
3. Bridge the Gap When Frustration Strikes
Watch for moments when your child knows what they want to communicate but does not yet have the verbal words:
If a toy gets stuck or a cup is out of reach and frustration starts to build, step in and model the tool they need before tears take over.
Always speak and sign simultaneously. Say: "Oh, you need help! You can say 'Help, Dad'" while signing help.
This validates their feelings, lowers frustration, and gives them a functional tool they can use independently next time.
Resources for Families
There is a plethora of fantastic resources available online to explore, but here is a small selection of handy, free resources to get you started:
Key Word Sign Australia: Practical training, downloadable resources, and printable materials designed to help families implement signing into daily routines.
Auslan Dictionary App: Look up authentic Australian signs with clear video demonstrations:
Aussie Deaf Kids – Auslan Resources: A curated directory of Australian sign language books, flashcards, posters, and learning materials.
Auslan Signbank: An open-access online video dictionary developed by Macquarie University and Trevor Johnston.
References
Cologon, K., & Mevawalla, Z. (2018). Increasing inclusion in early childhood: Key word sign as a communication partner intervention. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 22(8), 902–920.https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2017.1412515
Frizelle, P., Allenby, R., Hassett, E., Holland, O., Ryan, E., Dahly, D., & O'Toole, C. (2022). Embedding key word sign prompts in a shared book reading activity: The impact on communication between children with Down syndrome and their parents. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 58(4), 1029–1045.https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12842
Frizelle, P., & Lyons, C. (2022). The development of a core key word signing vocabulary (Lámh) to facilitate communication with children with down syndrome in the first year of mainstream primary school in Ireland.Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 38(1), 53–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2022.2050298
Pattison, A. E., & Robertson, R. E. (2016). Simultaneous presentation of speech and sign prompts to increase MLU in children with intellectual disability. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 37(3), 141–147.https://doi.org/10.1177/1525740115583633
Vallotton, C. D. (2008). Signs of emotion: What can preverbal children “say” about internal states? Infant and Child Development, 17(3), 287–308. https://doi.org/10.1002/icd.575
Vallotton, C. D. (2012). Signing with babies and children: A summary of research findings for parents and professionals.Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(5), 325–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-012-0508-3
