Baby Sign Language Books
In Australia there is only one baby sign language book that is accredited as a certified AUSLAN resource. That book is Australian Baby Hands written by Jackie Durnin. Why not join thousands of other parents and child care workers who experienced the joys of communicating with their babies using Australian Baby Hands. Buy the book today!
We enjoyed the book so much, we contacted Jackie to ask her about here experiences with baby sign language.
10 Questions With Jackie Durnin
SB - How did you first learn about baby sign language?
JD - Through my research of sign language online, I read about the research around the world and the success that a lot of US and UK parents were having.
SB - What age should I start signing to my baby?
JD - I recommend introducing baby sign language to your child from around six months of age. At this age your baby is physically able to sign to you.
SB - How long does it usually take a baby to start signing?
JD - Each baby is unique and it is different from baby to baby. This also depends on how consistent you are as a parent and how many people are signing to your baby.
SB - Is there a particular moment you can tell us about which involves a baby signing?
JD - I was teaching my neighbours child to sign. He knew and signed around 4 signs. One night when I was babysitting him, I introduced him to my pet fish and signed the sign fish. Many weeks had passed and each time he would be in my house I would show him the fish and sign fish. This one night when his parents came to visit with him, he was pointing out the fish on the shelf. They were unsure what he was pointing at and began to guess suggesting various things on the shelf. Then suddenly he signed “fish”.
SB - What sort of feedback have you had from people who have read your book?
JD - People love the book as it is simple, easy to read and the signs are easy to follow.
SB - How does Australian sign language differ from other sign languages?
JD - Australian sign language has its origins in British and Irish sign language but it has grown to be quite different over the years. As with any language, it has developed regional sign variations/dialects and has also grown to include new vocabulary such as email, a word which did not exist twenty years ago.
SB - Do you have any plans to teach classes?
JD - Yes Baby Hands classes are launching later this year. Visit our website or join our newsletter and we will keep you posted.
SB - What are your plans for baby hands in the future?
JD - To support parents in reducing frustration in the home while providing more fun educational tools for Australian babies.
SB - What’s your favourite youtube baby sign language video?
JD - I think it is the video of the baby signing the alphabet, it is so cute!
SB - Got any kids yourself?
JD - No not currently, I am too busy planning my wedding!
Jackie Durnin is the author of Australian Baby Hands. You can buy the book here.
