A critical stage of verbal development happens before children turn 2, when they have several words in their vocabulary but they can't quite form the right words to communicate. This is why more parents are teaching their children American Sign Language, said Caroline Taylor, a sign language instructor at The Sandbox.

"It gives them a form of communication, since they may not be physically, developmentally ready to verbally communicate yet," she said. "Baby sign language is all about helping your little one tell you what they want and need instead of the babies just crying."

Taylor, who is hard of hearing, learned sign language at Clemson University. She runs the American Sign Language Club and takes regular classes. Taylor is leading separate classes for babies and toddlers at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tuesdays at The Sandbox, an interactive children's museum on Hilton Head Island. She uses a curriculum from KinderSigns Baby Sign Language University that teaches babies and toddlers to effectively communicate words like milk, more, mom, dad and no.

But will teaching children to sign impede their verbal development? Taylor said parents can expect the opposite to happen. In fact, studies have shown that infants and toddlers who learn a simple sign language for common words learn to speak faster, and perform better on future intelligence tests than children who learn to speak the usual way. Children learning sign language at The Sandbox receive information in two forms: parents and caregivers are always encouraged to talk while they sign.

Teaching children to sign has other benefits as well, including improving a child's self-esteem and helping to prevent tantrums in pre-verbal children.  Additionally, some experts believe sign language may help autistic children. 

"Teaching child with autism to sign may help him or her be able to express him or herself better," Taylor said. "signing may also help the development of a verbal language by acting as a segue."

Taylor said small children may not sign right away, but they understand what the sign means. She has seen some children sign up to 20 words before they are 1 year old.

"Sign language for children is about teaching the children a new language and introducing them to new ideas and a new culture. Plus, it’s fun!" she said.

Tips from KinderSigns:

• Speak to your baby in "parents," the high pitch manner of talking that adults tend to use naturally when speaking to babies. This does not mean baby talk, however.
• Encourage vowel-like and consonant-vowel sounds, such as "ma," "da," and "ba" by making a game of it and repeating what your baby says.
• Maintain eye contact with your baby and respond when they attempt to speak. Imitate their vocalizations and then see if they'll imitate yours.
• Teach your baby how to clap hand, throw kisses and play finger games, such as pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo and the itsy-bitsy-spider.
• Have conversations with your baby. Talk as you bathe, feed and dress.

More About The Sandbox Classes

Baby Sign Language
When/Where: 9:30-10 a.m. Tuesdays beginning June 1 at The Sandbox

Info: Enable your child to communicate and express their thoughts, wishes, needs & feelings before they are verbal. Geared for caregivers with children under 2 years.
Cost: $4 for members and $10 for non-members, which includes class instruction and museum admission
Connect: 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org

Beginning Sign Language
When/Where: From 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays
Info: Children learn how to sign common words and phrases. Geared for children more than 2 years old.
Cost: Class instruction included with admission
Connect: 843-842-7645 or www.thesandbox.org