How does sign language impact communication development in EYFS?

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of sign language in Early Years classrooms in a mainstream primary school and to evaluate the impact on children’s communication development. Using a whole class approach, the study followed the implementation of sign language over a structured timeframe. For ten weeks children received sign language sessions once a week delivered by our speech and language therapist. Class
teachers incorporated new learning throughout the weekly timetable and ensured regular recap through application in context of the signs that had been previously taught. Children were taught how to incorporate these signs through their independent play to enhance peer to peer communication. Over time, empathy for the challenges peers may face when communicating was evident. Teachers identified that sign language provided accessible building blocks for some children to express their ideas and interact with others more readily. Teacher’s also felt that pupil’s with less developed communication had reduced frustration when communicating using core taught signs.