How to Use Baby Signs® in Storytime & Circle Time
Build Language, Connection & Engagement Through Signing
Looking for a simple way to make storytime and circle time more interactive, inclusive, and engaging?
Add signs! 🙌
Using Baby Signs® during storytime or circle time boosts early literacy, language development, attention span, and participation—even among the youngest learners. Signing while reading or singing makes communication visual, multi-sensory, and fun.
Here’s how to get started and make the most of your group time with signs.
📚 Why Use Signs in Storytime?
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🖐️ Reinforces key vocabulary – Children see, hear, and move with new words
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👀 Boosts comprehension – Signs help visual learners understand story content
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🤲 Promotes inclusion – Supports children with emerging language skills or developmental delays
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💡 Encourages participation – Kids are eager to join in when they can sign along
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💛 Builds connection – Eye contact, shared attention, and gesture build trust and engagement
📖 Tips for Adding Signs to Books
You don’t have to sign every word. Just choose a few key words in the story—like animals, feelings, colors, or actions—and model those signs as you read.
Start with familiar signs like:
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MORE (during repetition or rhyme)
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HAPPY, SAD, or SCARED (to match character feelings)
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DOG, CAT, or BEAR (for animal books)
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EAT, DRINK, or MILK (in mealtime stories)
👉 Pro Tip: Practice a few signs beforehand so they feel natural as you read!
🪑 Signing in Circle Time
Circle time songs and routines are the perfect place to add signs.
- Weather song → Sign RAIN, SUN, COLD
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Getting Dressed → Sign HAT, COAT, SHOES
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Feelings check-in → Sign HAPPY, TIRED, HUNGRY, AFRAID
Repetition helps children remember the signs, and movement helps get the wiggles out while keeping them engaged.
🧰 Tools to Support Signed Storytime
Make your storytime or classroom circle time even more engaging with these resources:
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🧡 Circle Time Book Collection – Set 2
Designed to be interactive and signing-friendly! -
🧡 Concept Cards – Set 2
Perfect for teaching concepts like feelings, opposites, actions & more. -
🧡 Quick Reference Guide
Keep this handy list of signs nearby for quick reminders. -
🧡 Poster Packs
Display signs related to your story theme or circle time focus (like Animals, Emotions, or Weather).
🎥 Want to See It in Action?
👋 Start Small, Sign Often
You don’t need to change your whole storytime routine—just pick a few places to begin:
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One story
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One song
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One classroom routine
With consistent modeling, you’ll be amazed at how quickly children begin to recognize and even use the signs themselves!
✨ Bonus: Build Confidence for Educators & Parents
Using signs during storytime also supports parent education and early literacy.
Share signs with families after class using take-home guides or QR codes that link to signing videos. Encourage them to use the same signs during bedtime stories or music time at home!
💬 Ready to Try It?
Signing makes storytime come alive—for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even older siblings.
Start simple, be expressive, and enjoy watching your little learners light up with understanding.
Let’s make storytime more meaningful, one sign at a time. 🧡
