“OK” in ASL is exactly what it says: the letters O and K, fingerspelled quickly. It is a checking-in sign — are you OK? — that becomes more useful every month of toddlerhood. How to Sign “OK” in ASL Photos:…
“Nice” is one smooth wipe of palm across palm. It doubles as “clean” in ASL, and it is a gentle, easy sign for praising kind behavior. How to Sign “Nice” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0…
“Slow” is signed slowly — the meaning is in the movement. One hand creeps up the back of the other arm, and it is a surprisingly useful sign for calming busy toddlers. How to Sign “Slow” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith…
“Move” is two hands picking something up and setting it down somewhere else. It is a practical sign for cleanup, rearranging, and the constant toddler business of relocating objects. How to Sign “Move” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons,…
“Jump” is the finger-legs springing off the palm — toddlers get it instantly. It is one of the best action signs for active kids, typically learned between 15 and 20 months. How to Sign “Jump” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via…
“Dance” is two little finger-legs dancing on a palm stage. Toddlers who love music pick it up fast, usually between 15 and 20 months, because the request pays off in music every time. How to Sign “Dance” in ASL Photos:…
“Don’t like” turns protest into communication. It starts exactly like “like,” then throws the feeling away — a contrast toddlers find genuinely funny once they spot it. How to Sign “Don’t Like” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC…
“Like” lets a toddler tell you what wins — which food, which toy, which book. The hand pulls a feeling right out of the chest, closing thumb and middle finger as it goes. How to Sign “Like” in ASL Photos:…
“Go” is pure motion — and toddlers are pure motion, so they love it. Both index fingers swing toward wherever you are headed, usually learned between 12 and 18 months. How to Sign “Go” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia…
“Hello” is the friendliest first sign there is. It is a relaxed salute that arcs away from the forehead, and because greetings happen many times a day, babies see it constantly. How to Sign “Hello” in ASL Photos: Rodasmith via…