Each year on September 23, the world celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages—a day that highlights the importance of sign language in promoting communication access, inclusion, and early language development.
For teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and other early childhood professionals, this is a powerful opportunity to introduce basic signs in the classroom or therapy room to support all learners—especially those with delayed speech development or who are nonverbal.
Why Use Sign Language in Early Childhood Settings?
At Sing and Speak 4 Kids, we believe communication should be accessible to every child. Teaching basic signs alongside speech and music can:
- Bridge communication gaps for children who are not yet speaking
- Reduce frustration
- Support vocabulary growth and concept development
- Provide multisensory learning through movement, visuals, and sound
- Reinforce language targets for children with ASD, speech delays, or limited expressive language
Research supports that introducing signs early on does not hinder speech—it enhances it by giving children another mode of expression while their verbal skills develop.
10 Simple Signs to Start With
You don’t need to know full American Sign Language (ASL) to make a difference. Start small with signs that are functional and frequently used in your classroom or therapy sessions.
Here are 10 simple signs to teach and use:
- More – Tap fingertips of both hands together repeatedly
- All done – Turn open hands palm-in to palm-out (like “finished”)
- Help – One hand flat, the other makes a thumbs-up on top and lifts
- Please – Open hand circles on your chest
- Thank you – Hand at mouth, move outward
- Eat – Tap fingers to mouth (as if eating)
- Drink – Mimic holding and tipping a cup to your mouth
- Stop – One hand flat, the other chops into it
- Yes – Fist nods like your head
- No – Tap index and middle finger to thumb (like a mouth saying “no”)
Tip: Pair signs with spoken words and music. The repetition, rhythm, and visuals work beautifully together to strengthen comprehension and expression.
Make It Musical: Integrating Signs with Sing and Speak 4 Kids
Our Sing and Speak 4 Kids program naturally supports sign language integration. When singing about daily routines, use signs for “eat,” “drink,” and “all done” to help nonverbal or minimally verbal children follow along and participate.
Bonus: Signs provide an additional visual cue for children with ASD who benefit from structured, consistent routines.
Classroom Ideas to Celebrate Sign Language Day
Looking for simple ways to bring Sign Language Day into your classroom or therapy room? Try these:
- Sign of the Day: Introduce one new sign each morning during circle time
- Sign-and-Sing Storytime: Pair a picture book with a few relevant signs (e.g., Brown Bear, Brown Bear + colors and animals)
- Visual Cue Cards: Create visual aids with both the word and the sign image for daily routines
- Interactive Wall Chart: Post common signs with pictures and practice them during transitions
- Peer Practice: Encourage children to sign to each other during snack, play, or sharing time
The Bigger Picture
International Day of Sign Languages reminds us that language comes in many forms, and all are valid, powerful tools for connection.
Whether you’re a speech therapist working one-on-one with a child with ASD or a preschool teacher leading group circle time, introducing even a few simple signs can empower your learners—giving them the tools to express themselves, be understood, and feel heard.
Want to Do More?
Looking for visual supports, videos, or song ideas that pair with signs? Sing and Speak 4 Kids can help! Reach out or explore our program resources to see how music, visuals, and gestures come together to support early language development.
