A baby sign language feelings chart is a visual reference tool that displays American Sign Language (ASL) signs for emotions like happy, sad, angry, scared, and tired, allowing babies as young as six months old to communicate their feelings before they can speak. These charts typically include 14 to 16 key emotion vocabulary words with corresponding hand gestures, giving parents and caregivers a quick reference for teaching and recognizing signs. For example, when a toddler rubs their fist in a circular motion on their chest, they are signing “sorry,” a nuance that would be impossible to express through crying or pointing alone. The value of feelings charts extends beyond simple communication. Research by Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn spanning from the 1980s through the 2000s demonstrated that children trained in sign language from 11 months old showed statistically higher receptive and expressive language outcomes at 15, 19, and 24 months compared to control groups. Perhaps more striking, a follow-up study at age eight found these children had IQs averaging 12 points higher than their non-signing peers. This article covers how to read and use feelings charts effectively, which emotions to teach first, the research supporting this approach, common mistakes to avoid, and where to find reliable chart resources. Whether you are a parent starting from scratch or an early childhood educator looking to incorporate signing into your classroom, understanding how to work with a feelings chart can transform the way young children express and regulate their emotions. ## What Emotions Should a Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart Include? The most effective feelings charts prioritize emotions that young children experience frequently and intensely. At minimum, a useful chart should cover the basics: happy, sad, and mad or angry. These three emotions form the foundation of emotional vocabulary because children encounter them daily, often multiple times. A child who can sign “mad” when a sibling takes their toy has an alternative to hitting or screaming, which is why behavioral research consistently links signing to fewer tantrums. Beyond the basics, comprehensive charts typically add scared, tired, hurt, love, and surprised. The emotion “tired” proves particularly valuable because fatigue triggers many toddler meltdowns, yet children rarely have the self-awareness or verbal skills to articulate what they are feeling. A two-year-old who signs “tired” before reaching the point of exhaustion gives caregivers a chance to respond proactively. Some charts expand further to include embarrassed, frustrated, confused, or proud, though these more nuanced emotions are better suited for children over age two who have mastered the foundational signs. When comparing available resources, charts from babysignlanguage.com offer 17 basic signs, while Teachers Pay Teachers provides ASL Feelings and Emotions Charts with 16 vocabulary words. The slight variation in word count matters less than consistency. Whatever chart you choose, use it consistently so the child sees the same visual reference each time they encounter an emotion. ## How Feelings Charts Support Social-Emotional Development Teaching sign language for emotions does more than bridge the communication gap before speech develops. Research demonstrates that children who learn to sign during infancy develop better language skills as toddlers and improved social-emotional skills overall. This happens because signing requires children to identify what they are feeling, recall the appropriate sign, and execute the gesture. That three-step process builds emotional intelligence in a way that crying or tantruming does not. However, signing alone does not automatically produce these benefits. Teaching the spoken word along with the sign helps children learn to respond more easily and ensures a smooth transition to verbal communication. When you sign “scared” while saying “scared” aloud, you reinforce the connection between the concept, the word, and the gesture. Parents who only sign without speaking may inadvertently slow their child’s verbal development, though no research studies have shown that signing itself causes language development delays. Wall charts designed for classroom display serve a specific function in this developmental process. When children see emotions represented visually throughout the day, they begin to recognize those feelings in themselves and others. A preschool teacher might point to the feelings chart when a child is crying and ask, “Are you sad or are you hurt?” This scaffolded questioning teaches children to differentiate between emotions rather than lumping all negative feelings together. ## Practical Ways to Introduce a Feelings Chart at Home The most effective introduction happens during natural emotional moments rather than formal teaching sessions. When your child is visibly happy after receiving a snack they enjoy, point to “happy” on the chart, make the sign yourself, and say the word aloud. This context-based learning sticks better than drilling signs during a neutral moment because the child has an immediate, felt reference for what the emotion means.
Start with one or two signs and add more only after the child shows recognition or attempts the gesture themselves. A common mistake is introducing too many signs at once, which can overwhelm both parent and child. Babies as young as six months old can begin learning basic signs, but their motor skills limit which gestures they can produce. The sign for “happy” involves brushing both hands upward on the chest, which is manageable for small hands. More complex signs with precise finger positions may need to wait until closer to 12 months. Emotion playdough mats that teach 14 emotions through play offer an alternative entry point for tactile learners. These resources let children squish and shape while associating the physical activity with emotional vocabulary. The tradeoff is that playdough mats require more supervision and cleanup than a laminated wall chart, but some children respond better to hands-on learning than passive visual reference. ## Common Mistakes When Using Baby Sign Language Feelings Charts The most frequent error is inconsistency. A feelings chart works only when caregivers use it regularly and model the signs themselves. Hanging a chart on the refrigerator and hoping your child absorbs the information through proximity accomplishes nothing. You must actively reference the chart, demonstrate signs in context, and respond when your child attempts to sign back. If multiple caregivers interact with the child, everyone needs to use the same signs; mixing ASL with made-up gestures creates confusion. Another mistake is expecting immediate results. Infants typically need weeks or months of exposure before they produce signs independently, and even then, their versions may look imprecise. A baby’s attempt at “sad” might look like a general hand-to-face motion rather than the correct gesture of drawing fingers down the cheeks. Accept approximations and respond to the intent rather than insisting on perfect form. The goal is communication, not technical accuracy. A less obvious pitfall involves using feelings charts as behavior management tools rather than communication aids. Pointing to “angry” on the chart and telling a child “you need to stop being angry” misuses the resource. Signing should validate and name emotions, not dismiss them. The benefit of reduced tantrums comes from children feeling understood, not from adults having a new way to tell them what to feel. ## Classroom Applications for ASL Feelings Charts Early childhood educators use feelings charts differently than parents do because they manage multiple children with varying emotional vocabularies. Wall charts designed for classroom display allow teachers to establish a common visual language. During circle time, a teacher might review two or three emotion signs with the whole group, creating shared understanding that carries through the day. When conflicts arise later, the teacher can reference signs that everyone has learned rather than introducing new concepts during stressful moments. The classroom setting also allows for peer modeling that does not exist in most home environments. When one child signs “sad” and receives comfort, other children observe and learn both the sign and the social response it generates. Teachers report that signing classrooms often develop stronger empathy because children have tools to recognize and name emotions in their peers, not just themselves. ## Finding Reliable Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart Resources Free printable charts are available from babysignlanguage.com, which offers 17 basic signs per chart. Teachers Pay Teachers provides both free and paid options, with ASL Feelings and Emotions Charts typically covering 16 vocabulary words. The key difference between free and paid resources usually comes down to print quality and supplementary materials rather than the accuracy of the signs themselves, since ASL is a standardized language. When evaluating any chart, verify that it uses actual ASL rather than invented “baby signs.” True ASL signs remain useful as the child grows because they are recognized by the broader deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Made-up gestures may be simpler initially but create a dead-end vocabulary that the child eventually has to unlearn.
Table of Contents
- Long-Term Benefits Beyond the Toddler Years
- Understanding Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
- Key Factors in Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
- Challenges with Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
- Conclusion
Long-Term Benefits Beyond the Toddler Years
The landmark research by Drs. Acredolo and Goodwyn revealed that benefits persist well beyond the signing period. The 12-point IQ advantage observed at age eight suggests that the cognitive exercise of learning signs, connecting them to concepts, and using them communicatively may strengthen neural pathways in ways that support later learning.
Children do not continue signing at eight years old, but the early training appears to have lasting effects on language processing and cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest that feelings charts serve not just as short-term communication tools but as early investments in cognitive development. Parents sometimes worry that signing will delay speech, but no research studies have supported this concern. The opposite appears true: the visual and kinesthetic reinforcement of language through signs gives children multiple pathways to linguistic competence.
Understanding Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
This topic is fundamental to baby and toddler sign language. Grasping the core concepts helps you make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Taking time to understand the basics provides a strong foundation for more advanced knowledge.
- The basics of baby sign language feelings chart and why they matter
- How baby sign language feelings chart relates to broader baby and toddler sign language topics
- Common misconceptions to avoid
Key Factors in Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
Several important factors influence outcomes when dealing with baby sign language feelings chart. Being aware of these helps you approach the topic more strategically and achieve better results.
- Primary considerations for baby sign language feelings chart
- Secondary factors that affect baby sign language feelings chart
Challenges with Baby Sign Language Feelings Chart
Most people encounter similar challenges when dealing with baby sign language feelings chart. Understanding these challenges prepares you to handle them effectively and avoid common mistakes.
- Overcoming obstacles related to baby sign language feelings chart
- Solutions for common baby sign language feelings chart issues
Conclusion
A baby sign language feelings chart provides a structured way to teach emotional vocabulary to children who cannot yet speak, with research supporting both immediate behavioral benefits and long-term cognitive advantages. The most effective charts include basic emotions like happy, sad, and angry alongside practical additions like tired, hurt, and scared, giving children a functional vocabulary for daily life.
Consistency in use matters more than the specific chart chosen, and pairing signs with spoken words ensures smooth language development. For parents or educators ready to start, select a chart with ASL-accurate signs, introduce one or two emotions at a time in natural contexts, and respond positively when children attempt to sign back. The investment of a few minutes per day during the first two years can yield fewer tantrums in the short term and measurable developmental advantages that persist into elementary school and beyond.