Project 28
Since I’m incapable of doing a 365 project (really, I am), I’ve decided to embark on a 28 day project instead. Each day this month, Oscar, Nanny Norma and I are going to learn a new sign.
Why sign more? I’m coming to terms with the reality that Oscar is not going to suddenly burst forth speaking in sentences. I’m not coming to terms with the possibility that Oscar is not going to speak eventually, but I do want to figure out a way to bridge the gap between now and the time he can communicate verbally. I’m also looking into formal programs to help the entire family out in terms of learning ASL or even having a tutor come to the house. It’s just clear to me that we need a method of communication that is more effective than the hodge-podge of grunts, signs and words that we have in our shared vocabulary.
Right now, Oscar can sign* and/or speak^ the following (off the top of my head, I’m sure I’m missing a few):
Mom^, OMa (Norma)^, Grandma*, Sister^*, Boy*, Girl*, Hat*, Milk*, Ice cream*, Baby*, Signing*, Cookie^*, Cracker*, Cake^, Cereal*, Banana*, Bread*, Egg^, Fish*, Candy*, Cheese*, Tea^, Please*, Thank you*, Sorry*, Ball^*, Play*, Bath*, Car^*, Bus*, Shoes*, Star*, Socks*, Sleep*, Eat*, Drink*, Thirsty*, Hungry*, Monkey* (three words in one – means he wants to walk with his monkey backpack, eat gummy candies (shaped like monkeys) or monkey), Bear*, Dog*, Cat*, Help^*, Hot^*, Cold*, Go^*, More^*, Up^, Down*, Hurt*, Wow^ (my favorite – two syllables), Oh no^ and Uh oh^.
Here’s what I have on our list for this month. And I feel I should note the lack of vegetables in Oscar’s vocabulary – it’s not that he doesn’t eat them; it’s just that we don’t speak of them. Kind of like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter.
Grandpa, Chicken, Soup, Pasta, Yogurt, Swim, Paint, Potty, Walk, Bike, Clean, Talk, TV, Happy, Sad, Soup, Pants, Shirt, Dressed, Read, Yes, No (he uses no, but only when he’s really upset; I would like him to use it as an answer to a question).
Any suggestions? You families who communicate – what words do your toddlers most frequently use?
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Where I’ve Been
Hold me – which is a favorite of Billy’s. I will really think through this as I am in the midst of both kids trying to communicate
Wow! I really should sit down and put together a list of all the words Lili is saying now. I think she and Mr. O are only a few months apart in age so it might help you to see a list of words that another 2 1/2 year old is using regularly. I’ll work on that.
THANK YOU
ASLPRO.com is my fave site and http://www.mybabyfingers.com is my fave signing CD.
I just a list of the ones she has. If you post I will learn with you please!
I signed with both my boys. Some of our favorites that are not on your list: please, thank you, you’re welcome, help. “Help” was a huge one in my house! We also did lots of signing while we took walks so we learned: cat, dog, tree, squirrel, bus, motorcycle, helicopter, airplane, flower, bike, sun, moon, etc. We still use “toilet” a lot so that I don’t have to scream across the playground, “Do you need to go peepee?”
Hope that helps some!
“snuggle” and “help me” are two words/phrases that I couldn’t live without with Selam.
Help me is used interchangeably. “Selam help me” is the equivalent of Selam wants to do it by herself. “Mommy help me” is a request of me. Sometimes, it’s just “help me” which means that if I do or don’t help her, it’s clearly the wrong answer.
She uses snuggle for both snuggle and carry me. Mostly though, if it’s asked for it means she’s wanting the human touch in some way. I think it’s good for kids to be able to ask for that. I’m also trying to teach her the difference between “lonesome” and “sad.” She always says she’s sad, when really she just wants company….which takes me a while to figure out.