Introducing practical conceptual signs, such as “More”, “Please” and “Thank You” can be quite difficult.  It just isn’t the same as introducing a sign for “Book”.

With a book, or any other object you have something tangible that’s there to show your baby so they can relate to the sign, the word and the whatever the object might be.

So when we come to introducing a sign such as “More” we need to be a little bit creative so I want to give you some ideas on things you can do around your daily routine and also games to help introduce “More” to your baby.

First Things First:

Now my first recommendation is that before you try and introduce the more sign for something make sure that they understand what the thing is you are trying to get them to sign “More” for.

For example, if you want to teach your child how to sign for “more – milk” but they haven’t grasped what the sign for milk is first then they could get confused that the “More” sign is actually the sign for milk.

Don’t worry, this isn’t an absolute rule that you have to follow.  But if you are struggling to introduce conceptual signs making sure that your child understands the other signs first can help to give them a little clarity that when you sign “More” you are signing about the object, not specifically the object.

Ideas For Introducing The “More” Sign:

With each of the ideas below if your baby does the sign for more while playing any of these games respond with praise and make sure you give them “more”.

1. Mealtimes.
   This is one of the most common times for using “more” so introducing it around food should be one of the easiest ways to introduce.  When feeding your baby put a little less than you know they may normally eat into their bowl and when it is gone sign “more” and bring out ” more – food”.  As Sue Ellen mentioned in her comment to “3 Ways To Introduce Baby Sign” you should not restrict your baby’s food, you are just using this as a way to introduce a concept before giving them their normal amount of food in stages.
2. Using Blocks.
   Building blocks are one toy that nearly all children have.  So try building a small tower with your child.  Keep some of the blocks hidden away until you need them to complete the tower and when you run out sign “more” and retrieve them from there secret hidey hole before you carry on building the tower.
3. Using Bubbles.
   All children love bubbles and because they disperse so quickly there is always a need for “more” bubbles.  Blow out a few and then say the word and do the sign “more” before blowing out the next set.  As they disappear continue to sign “more” while blowing out each set of bubbles and try to encourage the children to sign “more” before you do so.
4. Reading Stories.
   When you are reading with your baby each new page or chapter to the story presents the opportunity to use “more”.  As you get to the end of the page say “more” and sign before turning the page, again trying to encourage your child to do the sign as well.  This is definitely one you may want to take care with though at bedtime to avoid any temper tantrums if they still want more at the end of the story and don’t want to go to sleep.
5. Riding Activities.
   These can be anything from riding on Dads knee, to a game of Horsey or playing on the swings in the park.  The important thing here is to play the game and while they are excited and enjoying it pause for a second, say and sign “More” and then carry on with the game.  They will soon get the idea that the sign for “more” means more fun!
6. Drawing and Painting.
   The simple act of drawing a line can easily be turned into an opportunity to sign more.  Just begin drawing a line along a sheet of paper with your baby, you can even get them involved holding the pencil.  Stop as you go and then say and sign “more” before continuing on.

These are just a few ideas for early learning and how you can introduce the concept of “More” to your baby.  I’m sure you can come up with many more around the daily activities that you do with your child.

By making sure that your are consistent with your signing and mix up your practical and motivational signs with your baby they will soon start to understand the more abstract signs.

And please let me know in the comments below if you have any special ways that you have found to introduce conceptual signs to your baby.