This is what I wrote the last time, I think it can be certainly improved upon but it might help with a start.
To whom it may concern,
I would like to make a suggestion in regards to a children's programme that teaches sign language. There is a tv programme in the United States called 'Signing Time and 'Baby Signing Time' which teaches parents and children sign language.
There has been much research done in this field of teaching sign language to children. I think this would beneficial to many parents and children, here are a few of the benefits of teaching sign languge to children. (taken from australian baby hands website
www.australianbabyhands.com.au). You can also check
http://www.marilyndaniels.com, authoity on teaching hearing children sign language.
1.English vocabulary:
Dr Daniels found that children who were exposed to sign language had larger English-language vocabularies than non-signing children.
Three other studies (which did not involve Dr Daniels) that researched introducing sign language to children through music highlighted that this is also a great way to enhance your child’s vocabulary.
2.Reading ability:
Sign language involves using your hands, body and facial expressions to communicate with those around you. As it is a visual language, learning this language involves using the visual-spatial part of your brain. This is the same part of the brain that we use to learn to read. For this reason, sign language can be very beneficial to teach verbal children as it exercises the same part of their brain that is linked to reading.
3.Spelling proficiency:
Research also shows that children who learn sign language are more readily able to translate letters and words to the written language.
4.Self-esteem & Self-confidence:
Research in both preverbal and verbal children highlights that those children who are exposed to sign language are generally more self confident and have increased self-esteem.
5. Increased interest in books and literacy skills:
By using sign language with your child, you are also increasing your child’s interest in book and Dr Daniels research highlighted that using sign language from infancy through to sixth grade results in improved literacy.
6.Stimulate Brain Development:
Dr Daniels highlights that learning sign language can stimulate brain development as when learning sign language you use both the left and right hemisphere of the brain compared to learning a spoken language, which only uses the brain’s left hemisphere.
Research conducted by Linda Acredolo & Susan Goodwyn also indicated children exposed to sign language as babies had a 12 point higher I.Q. at eight years of age than non-signing children.
7.Increased Memory Retention:
When sign language is incorporated into other learning activities, children are learning visually, verbally, and kinesthetically all at the same time—simultaneously engaging children of different learning styles and creating greater memory retention.
As the benefits of signing to infants/children are numerous. I hope this suggestion can be looked into further.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email
Kind Regards,
Kimberley (I did add my last name I have just taken it out to remain a little more anonyoumous)
I think maybe a link to the signing time website may help so they can see what we are talking about. What do you think?
Digg
