I believe knowing some basic signs makes communicating with your toddler a much richer experience as it gives them that extra voice. The best way to work signing into your daily life is to sign when you talk to your toddler. They will quickly pick up on the signs. There are also lots of fun songs out there that incorporate signs into their fingerplay and most signing books will feature a few in their text. This is a very simple song that my toddler class signs at the beginning of every group music time and they absolutely love it. It teaches some of the most basic signs for grace and courtesy and the first verse can be modified for whatever location you are in. (If my directions for the signs aren't very clear, check out a copy of Baby Signs that I recommended a few Fridays ago as they have an amazing glossary.) Enjoy!
(Pat legs with hands in time to the first verse)
What's okay to do in school,
Do in school,
Do in school,
What's okay to do in school,
On this (day of the week).
Say please (rub palm across chest)
And thank you (flat palm starts at chin and moves down so fingers are pointing away)
Use words quietly (one finger on mouth, sshh)
Be gentle with others (rub downward facing palm on other forearm)
And use walking feet (hands alternate up and down on legs as if walking).
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