Small Signs, Meaningful Connections: Celebrating the International Day of Sign Languages
A baby reaches for more fruit at snack time. A toddler waves both hands to tell a teacher they're all done. Long before children can put every thought into words, they have something to say—and their hands can help them say it.
Today, on the International Day of Sign Languages, we celebrate the many ways children communicate, as well as the communities whose sign languages make connection, learning, and self-expression possible. The United Nations established September 23 as a day to recognize the importance of sign languages and the rights of Deaf people.
At Apple Montessori Schools, our infant and toddler programs introduce simple baby signs as one component of early language learning in the classroom. During familiar routines such as meals, play, and story time, a teacher might pair a spoken word with a gesture for "more," "all done," or "help." A child can then use their hands to share a need or join an interaction while their spoken vocabulary is still growing.
The moment a caregiver understands a child's sign can be powerful. The child learns that their ideas matter, and the adult gains another way to respond with care. As children grow, teachers continue to encourage words, gestures, facial expressions, and listening as they communicate with others.
This day also gives us an opportunity to look beyond the signs used in our classrooms. American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete language with its own grammar, and is a vital part of American Deaf culture. Sign languages are used by communities around the world; there is no single universal sign language. The handful of baby signs introduced to hearing infants and toddlers should not be confused with learning ASL.
Children can begin to understand that people communicate in different ways. A teacher might share a story featuring a Deaf character, show an age-appropriate video of a Deaf person signing, or talk with children about how we can make sure everyone can take part in a conversation. These experiences can nurture curiosity and respect for Deaf and hard of hearing people as members of our communities, while helping children see language differences as something to value.
In a Montessori classroom, this connects naturally with Grace and Courtesy: noticing another person's needs, making room for their voice, and treating them with respect. We can model those habits even with our youngest learners.
Families can build on this learning in simple ways. Notice the gestures your child already uses to communicate. Practice one useful sign during a daily routine, pairing it with the word and responding when your child tries it. As children get older, explore a book or resource created by Deaf people and talk about the different ways people share stories and ideas.
On the International Day of Sign Languages, we celebrate children's first attempts to connect—and recognize the rich languages and cultures of Deaf communities. Every child deserves to be heard, understood, and welcomed.
