Over the last twenty years, I have had many successful experiences with children using ASL in my classroom. Research has demonstrated that there are many benefits to utilizing sign language with hearing children. Some benefits include developing larger vocabularies, greater self-esteem, and increasing phonemic awareness and spelling skills.

Facilitating young children's developing ability to listen and focus is essential to school readiness. 

They need these skills to learn complex skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Have you ever wondered what the benefits of using ASL are beyond language development?  

Often, it is easy to understand the benefits of language development.  However, the connection between ASL and the other developmental domains isn't as noticeable—especially in motor development and planning.

ASL is a fantastic teaching strategy for all early childhood educators. Why? 

There are many benefits. ASL is a meaningful and authentic way to support language development and early literacy skills. It supports pre-literacy and literacy skills in hearing children, exceptional children, and second-language learners! It is a win-win! 

Teaching in early childhood takes heart, courage, resilience, and, might I say, a lot of creativity. 

I have advocated for play-based learning and using American Sign Language (ASL) to unlock the learning potential in young children for 20 years. ASL is a gift from the deaf community that supports hearing children's language, social-emotional, cognitive, and even fine motor skills. 

A recent focus nationwide has been on developing readers by third grade. The focus has been on the science of reading and using research-based reading instruction to support developing readers. Creating a language-rich environment in early childhood classrooms provides the best environment for our youngest learners and supports their development in this area.  

ECE professionals at all levels; infant-toddler, preschool, and kindergarten – 2nd graders are excellent at creating spaces that support children’s physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive development.  

 “As educators, it is important to incorporate interventions that will facilitate the highest level of learning.” (Prevatte & Matthews, 2013) ASL can be an intervention tool for early childhood educators. 

Research has vastly expanded our knowledge of early brain development.  

We now understand how early experiences influence the brain's wiring.  Early childhood is a crucial time for brain development; in the first three years of life, 90% of the brain is developed.  

American Sign Language supports early brain development in communication, attention, bonding, and visuals.

We want to deepen our understanding of using ASL to support language and literacy development. ASL supports receptive and expressive language development in hearing children and children with exceptionalities. 

ASL incorporates multiple modalities and makes the language more tangible. Children can experience language through movement, making language come alive.