Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can
communicate verbally and teaching them signs gives you and your little
one a helping hand as they connect with the world around them, develop
interests, and (most importantly) learn basic language skills.

‘First Signs - animals’ paves the way with some favourite animal signs as
a fun extension or introduction to pre-verbal communication skills.

You can begin introducing signs as early as you want, but studies show that babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months, some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.

Keep eye contact as you sign and say the word out loud, using the sign in direct context-sign dog when you see a dog in real life or in a book, and repeat the sign every time you see the animal. It’s very likely that your child will invent their own signs or use
variations of a sign you use. If they do, that’s fine.

Keep using the ‘official’ sign and let them do their sign. Using sign language as a pre-verbal aid is all about the joy of communicating, not about them ‘getting it right’.

• Designed in New Zealand
• Includes the two official languages of New Zealand - Māori and New Zealand Sign Language
• Features illustrations and a simple easy to follow description
• Board book so little hands can easily turn the pages
• Suitable for ages 6 months and up