Signs of Size
It is very simple to illustrate the concepts of big and small to your child. Take two similar objects of different sizes and present them to your baby. For instance, show your child one small pink ball and one large pink ball, or one small square block and one large square block. These items should be similar enough that their difference in size is what stands out. It is also preferable to use an object that your baby is already familiar with so that you aren’t trying to demonstrate the name of the object and the difference in size at the same time.
To introduce the signs, offer her one of the objects and say, for instance, “See the big pink ball.” While you are doing so, be sure to sign BIG and even BALL if that is a sign you have already taught. Then hand her the other ball and say, “See the small pink ball.” Next, try the same exercise with two other big and small objects so that your baby understands that it does not apply only to balls or any other single item.
BIGAlthough this sign for BIG (
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1. Hold your hands a few inches apart in front of your body with palms facing each other.
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2. Spread your hands apart just beyond the width of your body to illustrate the size of an object.
When you first begin to demonstrate this sign, be sure to use objects with obvious size differences. A baby may not pick up on a subtle difference, and this could lead to confusion. One good way to show an obvious size difference is by showing your baby a toy or model version of the object and then the real-life object, such as a toy car and a real car.
E-ALERT
Do not be surprised if your baby is eighteen months of age or older before she begins to understand concepts such as space, size, and dimension. Don’t feel like you have to wait to introduce the signs, however. Using them now will help her to learn and understand the concepts.
The sign for SMALL (
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1. Start with your hands in front of your body several inches apart, palms facing each other.
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2. Bring them together so that they are just a couple of inches apart.
In the beginning, you may find that your baby claps her hands when she brings them together. If she does, be sure to praise her efforts, and make a mental note to look for something small if she makes a single clap in the future.
