For many babies, playtime is the most fun and educational part of the day. Playing teaches cause and effect, nurturing skills, colors, shapes, and numbers. Your baby may be eager to demonstrate her desire to play, especially as she begins to prefer one toy to another. The signs in this section are relatively easy to form, making them great signs for younger signers to learn.

BALL

BALL, as shown in Figure 9–3, is a sign that will likely come naturally to your baby. In fact, she may already have her own version of it.

• 1. Position your hands in front of you as if you are holding a large ball. At this point, your fingers should not be touching.

• 2. Bring your fingers together, tapping your fingertips together twice.

Try showing your child balls in a variety of sizes and colors as you demonstrate the sign so that she will understand that the sign refers to all balls and not just one in particular.

DOLL

The sign for DOLL, as shown in Figure 9–4, will be easy to remember if you picture an old-fashioned cloth doll with a stitched X for the nose.

• 1. Form the X hand shape, which is a fist that has your index finger held up and bent to form a hook shape.

• 2. Run the bent index finger down the length of your nose twice.

You may find that your baby uses the sign for DOLL and the sign for TEDDY BEAR interchangeably or that she uses one sign for both objects. If you are concerned about the accuracy of your baby’s signs, just continue to demonstrate the correct sign for each object.

TOY

The sign for TOY ( SEE DVD) can be especially useful when teaching your baby to pick up her toys. In fact, you could even reserve this sign exclusively for cleanup time. In time, your child will understand that she must put her toys away when you demonstrate this sign.

• 1. Form the T hand shape with both hands, which is a fist that has your thumb between your middle and index fingers.

• 2. Holding both hands in front of you, shake your hands.

The sign for TOY is one that can be used for any toy. It may be difficult for your child to understand that each of her toys uses the same sign, so it is best left for general references to toys on the floor or in a toy box instead of for each individual toy.