Beverage Signs
From the time they are old enough to hold a bottle or a sippy cup, most babies want to carry a beverage with them everywhere they go. It’s a good thing, too, because babies and toddlers are very active creatures who need a lot of fluids to keep them hydrated. Understanding when your child is thirsty, however, can be a challenge. The signs ahead will not only alert you to your baby’s thirst but also help you discern what kind of drink he wants.
JUICEIf you know the sign for DRINK, as shown in Chapter 8, you will have no trouble learning the sign for JUICE (
-
1. Form the sign for DRINK. (Cup your hand as if holding a glass. Raise it up to your mouth as if drinking.)
-
2. Finger-spell the letter J.
If you want to specify a particular flavor of juice, such as apple juice or orange juice, form the sign for the fruit, and follow it with the letter J.
When you first introduce the sign for JUICE to your child, he may use it as a generic request for something to drink. In fact, you may discover that he uses it interchangeably with other beverage-related signs, including MILK, CUP, or DRINK. If you want your baby to have the ability to specify his drink choice, just continue to model the sign for each drink. He will eventually be able to differentiate between them.
WATERThe sign for WATER, as shown in Figure 12–1, is one that many children learn easily. This can be attributed to the fact that there are many opportunities to demonstrate the sign, and it represents something that is often exciting to young children.
FIGURE 12–1
-
1. Form the letter W with your fingers.
-
2. With your fingers facing to the side, tap them to your chin.
E-FACT
Did you know that “water” is an early spoken word for some babies, usually emerging as “wa-wa”? If your baby begins to say the word, he may drop the sign. If you want him to retain his signing skills into childhood, it is important that you continue to model the sign every time he encounters water.
Babies like to splash in the sink, stomp in puddles, and play in the bath. All of these give you the opportunity to reinforce the sign. Of course, with so many purposes for water, it may not be clear what your baby is asking for when he signs it. Is he thirsty? Does he hear running water? Would he like to take a bath? As with so many other signs, it is important to read this sign in context. That should give you clues to the sign’s meaning.
