Sometimes less really is more.
I bet if you’ve heard of Baby Sign Language, whether you’ve signed with a baby before or not, you probably know the sign MORE. This is the sign most everyone knows and is so proud to teach their babies. MORE is best taught less.
It is easy, it is fun, and most babies will learn this sign pretty quickly. Many parents and educators come back to me with awe, discovering their baby, or child, responding to the sign MORE, and getting a glimpse of happiness while their child is signing MORE and MORE, again and again. They sign, and we run to fulfill their every need.
Contrary to common belief, I hold the notion that the sign MORE should be used with caution, especially to a beginner signer. Reserve the sign MORE for a later stage. Once the baby/child recognizes at least a few other signs, than you can introduce the sign MORE. Even then, try to sign it with another sign/word at first: MORE MILK, MORE WATER, MORE PLAY, etc.
Why?
The sign MORE, especially when used alone, is a misnomer for parents and educators. The sign MORE can be exactly like a cry, (or like pointing) causing exactly what some adults are concerned about before they even learn about signing. It will hinder speaking. MORE can be a very slippery slope.
Once your child knows the sign for MORE, the temptation will be too great to avoid using it when he/she wants more of something, anything, & everything!
There are much better choices for first signs which require the baby or child to be specific with their request or need, and therefore enriching their vocabulary.
- MILK
- MOMMY
- DADDY
- WATER
- BALL
All of these words are tangible words, which the child can see and associate when signing. These signs will further encourage your child’s curiosity to learn and understand the rich relationships that words have with one another. By adding sign language as a potent visual tool, it serves to reinforce the learned words and your child is able to make this cognitive connection faster and more efficiently.
In addition, by challenging your child to use more specific words than MORE, it will allow them to cultivate their understanding of concepts. The word MORE is a concept, just like HELP, or I LOVE YOU. These signs are always better introduced after the basic signs.
Sometimes MORE is just, plain gluttonous.
Tell me your thoughts…what do you think about MORE?