Free Sign Language Flashcard Download

Research has shown that teaching sign language to young children is beneficial to all children, whether they have speech and language delays or not.  Let me first discuss why it’s a good idea, and then I will go into how to do it.

Using Sign Language, The Research:

• According to a research review by Millar and Light, the current research provides evidence that using alternative communication means (such as sign language) does not prevent children with developmental disabilities from talking and may actually support their ability to speak.
• Millar and Light also found that using alternative communication (such as sign language) can help older children learn to communicate as well as younger children.
• A Study by Capirici, Cattani, et. al. found that learning sign language could actually improve cognition (intelligence) in typically-developing, hearing children.

Will Using Sign Language Prevent a Child from Speaking?

This means that teaching baby sign language with your child will help him develop his language skills and it will not prevent him from speaking.  When a child uses sign language, they are able to develop their language system even before they are able to speak.  This actually gives them a head start on communicating until their mouth and speech system can catch up.  This means that typical children as young as 9 months can begin communicating and learning language, a whole three months before children who must rely on their ability to speak to communicate (typically begins at 12 months).

As for children with speech and language delays, using sign language will allow them to begin communicating before they are able to speak as well.  For some children, this is the push they need to begin speaking.  This is often true for children with autism.  Once these children learn the power of communication (through the use of signs), they often are more motivated to communicate through speech since they now realize what will happen when they communicate.

What’s Included with the Free Sign Language Flashcard PDF Download:

This product contains sign language flash cards of 59 common first words that you can teach your child to help him/her communicate better at home. This purchase allows you to download the file and print and cut out the cards. Each card contains a picture of the object/action on the front and the sign language sign on the back. These flashcards also include instructions on how you can use them to teach your child new words.  Also, view my post about using sign language to jumpstart late talkers!

You can also view the videos of these signs here:

Sign Language Flash Cards Printing Instructions:

Print the following pages on card stock or thicker paper. Print the pages on the front and back of pieces of paper so that the sign language is on the back of the picture of the object or action. Laminate the pages if desired for added protection. Then, cut out the cards and use as flashcards.

Sign Language Flashcards Activities:

Teaching Vocabulary:

You can use these sign language flash cards to teach your child a new word. Choose one card each time you work with your child. Get out the object on the card or if it is an action card, get out several objects that you can use to perform that action. Play with that object with your child and say/sign the word many times for your child. Encourage your child to imitate your word or sign the object or action to request it.

Receptive Vocabulary:

Place two or three of the sign language flash cards in front of your child with the picture side (not the sign) up. Ask your child to point to one of the pictures. You can say “show me the ball” or “touch the car”. Then, help your child point to the correct picture. This will help him learn the words.

Expressive Vocabulary:

Ask your child “what is this?” when showing him a picture of an object or “what is she doing?” for pictures of actions. Help your child say or sign what they see in the picture.

Sign Language:

You can use these sign language flash cards to learn signs for common first words. Researchers have found that using sign language when you speak to your child can increase her language and vocabulary skills and having a child use sign language to communicate can serve as a bridge to spoken communication.

Hide the Cards:

You can do any of the above activities by hiding the sign language flash cards. If you’re working on receptive vocabulary, hide a few cards around the room in plain sight. Have your child go find the one you say. If you’re working on expressive vocabulary, hide the cards in a bag of beans, laundry, or anything else. When your child finds a card, have him tell you what it’s called.  You can also tape these to the wall in a dark room and have your child “find” them with a flashlight.