They’re creepy and they’re crawly, and for many parents, they may be downright icky. But for kids, bugs are a lot of fun. They are small and they move in ways that people simply can’t. And young children don’t find them yucky or disgusting. On the contrary, older infants and toddlers may try to pick up the bugs that they see, and some will even try to eat an insect or two. This exploration is usually harmless, so even if you find it disgusting, try to allow your child to experience bug-related hands-on learning.

ANT

The sign for ANT ( SEE DVD) is usually the same sign used for any generic bug.

• 1. Touch your extended thumb to the tip of your nose.

• 2. Curl your ring and pinky fingers into the palm.

• 3. Extend your index and middle fingers so they are standing upright.

• 4. Bend them downward twice to form the sign.

Here is a fun activity that will give you the opportunity to form the sign for ANT. Finely crush a couple of graham crackers or cookie pieces. Take them outside and sprinkle them in a small area away from your house. Wait a few minutes and then observe the crumbs. You will probably find black ants teeming around the area and carrying crumbs on their backs. Point them out to your child, and let her observe or even follow the ants as far as possible.

BUTTERFLY

The sign for BUTTERFLY, as shown in Figure 13–9, is one that you may have formed without realizing that you were signing.

• 1. Spread your hands open with your palms facing you and cross your arms at the wrist.

• 2. Link your thumbs together.

• 3. Bend your fingers inward and back out several times while moving your hands upward. This indicates the flapping of wings.

Butterflies are beautiful but usually don’t get too close to an active baby or toddler. If your baby does not get the chance to see one in person, find a variety of butterfly photographs in a book or on the Internet and use them to reinforce the sign.

WORM

The sign for WORM, as shown in Figure 13–10, depicts a worm curling itself up and down as it inches its way along.

• 1. Hold your left forearm horizontally in front of your body.

• 2. Bend your right index finger to indicate the worm, and let it inch its way down the length of your arm.

If your baby has never seen a worm up close, this is a good time to introduce them to her. Go outside and dig a couple of inches down in damp soil. Chances are excellent that you will discover a worm or two. Your child may be too excited by the discovery to focus on your sign, but keep modeling it anyway, as you never know when she may be taking it all in.