If you are lucky enough to live on the water, you will have many opportunities to use the signs in this section. Even if you don’t, your baby can still use these signs during a weekend visit to the lake or the beach or when she sees these bodies of water in books or on television. Keep in mind, however, that it is common for babies to use the sign for WATER to refer to any body of water, from bathtubs to oceans.

The sign for LAKE ( SEE DVD) is somewhat complex and may take a bit of practice for you and your baby to learn.

• 1. Tap the W hand shape to your chin, making the sign for WATER.

• 2. Hold both hands in front of your body with your index fingers and thumbs forming a large open circle.

• 3. With your fingers still extended, bring your hands together as you would for the sign for PLATE.

The sign for OCEAN ( SEE DVD) is made by forming waves with your hands.

• 1. Tap the W hand shape to your chin, making the sign for WATER.

• 2. With the palm of your hand facing down, move your hand away from your face, as if climbing a hill, and then back down again.

• 3. Repeat this motion a few times to complete the sign.

Will your child actually be able to tell the difference between a lake and an ocean? It depends on her age, the size of the lake, and how much exposure she has to each body of water. Just don’t be surprised to find that she uses one sign for all bodies of water.