Learning how to sign old in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Old” explains grandparents, dinosaurs, and ancient things all at once. A fist strokes down from the chin, miming an old man’s beard. Most…

Learning how to sign how many in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “How many” is the first quantity question most toddlers learn. Two closed hands fan open at chest level. Most toddlers manage it…

Learning how to sign welcome in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Welcome” is the sign that says “you belong here.” A flat, open hand gestures inward like opening a door and inviting someone through.…

Learning how to sign wrong in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Wrong” gives toddlers a neutral way to acknowledge a mismatch without shame. A Y-hand taps the chin once. Most toddlers manage it between…

Learning how to sign correct in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Correct” is the affirming sign that tells toddlers they got it right. One index finger stacks perfectly on top of another. Most toddlers…

Learning how to sign stand in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Stand” is the natural partner to “sit” — and toddlers love the contrast game. Two fingers stand upright on a flat palm. Most…

Learning how to sign sit in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Sit” is one of the most practical signs a toddler can learn. Two flat fingers rest on top of two flat fingers, like…

Learning how to sign write in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Write” is perfect for toddlers who love scribbling. A pinched hand drags across an open palm, miming pen on paper. Most toddlers manage…

Learning how to sign picture in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Picture” opens up every book, photo album, and drawing session. The C-hand frames an image like a camera, then stamps it onto the…

Learning how to sign food in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Food” is one of the most useful general signs a toddler can learn. It uses the same basic motion as “eat” — a…