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A Comprehensive Guide to Signing

A Comprehensive Guide to Signing "All Done" in American Sign Language

by Serena Clark

Contents: 

  1. Introduction to "All Done" in ASL
  2. How to Sign "All Done" in American Sign Language
  3. Common Situations to Use "All Done" Sign
  4. Benefits of Teaching Babies ASL Sign for "All Done"
  5. Tips for Practicing ASL Signs with Your Baby
  6. The Difference Between "All Done" and "Finished" in ASL
  7. Additional ASL Resources for Learning More Signs
  8. FAQs

     

    Introduction to "All Done" in ASL

    The most general signs used within ASL are things like "all done," specifically for parents teaching their babies or toddlers prior to the verbal stage of communication. This comes in quite handy when they want to point out that they have finished eating or playing. ASL all done is an important tool to help parents and children but also represents a significant part of the communication for those people who use sign language in everyday life. Learning the sign "all done" is one step that bridges the communication gaps, allowing various levels of age and need to understand each other.

     

    How to Sign "All Done" in American Sign Language

    The ASL sign for "all done" is to simply extend the hands, palms outward and then twist them back and forth a couple of times. It's an intuitive sign, as it could be used to represent completion-easy enough for a kid to understand. If you are interested in the action of the sign, Signing Savvy and Lifeprint are good visual references.

    Watch Videos: It helps a great deal to clearly understand what the gesture would look and feel like. As a reference, here is a YouTube tutorial that will show you exactly how the ASL 'all done' sign is correctly performed. This should be a natural movement but give a definite indication that something is over. Make sure to practice this with your toddler oacidadily so that they may learn what it means.

     

    Common Situations to Display "All Done" Sign

    1. Meal Times

    Perhaps one of the most popular uses for "all done" is during meal times. A child full may sign "all done" to indicate to parents or caregivers that they are finished and complete with the meal. This helps eliminate guesswork on the part of the parents as to whether or not the baby still has an appetite and should continue being fed.

    Finished Eating Sign Language Resource: This dictionary has developed an alternative sign for "finished" which is used somewhat interchangeably with "all done.

    2. Playtime

    Another great time to do the all done sign is when kids have finished playing with a certain toy or playing games. This can help them let people know they're done and are ready to go on to something else.

    3. Changing Diapers

    It probably is a blast for toddlers to be able to sign "all done" during a diaper change to indicate they want to be finished with the process. This will let toddlers feel involved in the process and become less resistant to diaper changes.

     

    Benefits of Teaching Babies ASL Sign for "All Done"

    1. Improved Communication

    The teaching of ASL-all done to infants helps them to communicate before they learn how to speak. Babies get frustrated when they can't tell what they need, and signing is their answer. The Bump highlights the fact that even a few simple signs significantly reduce tantrums and greatly improve the communication between the children and their parents.

    2. Language Development

    Research proves that babies taught to sign develop larger vocabularies as they get older. Signing "all done" encourages a child to learn about the concept of completion and helps in the instillation of a sense of timing and routine.

    3. Strengthening Bonds

    Signing "all done" is usually the most meaningful gesture between parents and children. It is one way of visual communication that bridges the emotional interaction, making the baby understand that he is being taken care of.

     

    Tips for Practicing ASL Signs with Your Baby

    1. Be Consistent: Teaching signs like "all done" in ASL requires a crucial ingredient known as consistency. Make sure to use the sign whenever one is, say, through eating or playing with the child.
    2. Repetition is Key: The more you can repeat the sign, the easier it will be for your baby to remember and then start using. Any time the situation fits, repeat "all done".
    3. Use Visual Cues: While signing, use eye contact with your child and articulate the words. This will help reinforce the association of the spoken word with the sign.
    4. Make it Fun: Use facial expressions and a happy voice when giving signs. For example, when signing "all done," make a big smile while using an exaggerated motion to get the child's attention.
    • Check out this YouTube video that uses playful expressions when teaching ASL, all done.

     

    The Difference Between "All Done" and "Finished" in ASL

    In general, "all done" and "finished" are interchangeable in ASL, but the subtleties of differences may depend upon the contextual usage. "All done" is more casual and general in usage, often implying the completion of an activity which has just been engaged in. "Finished," however, can denote a more final state, or be used when transitioning to another activity.

    You can refer to materials such as Lifeprint’s ASL101 for an explanation of those terms in detail, as well as their demonstrations.

     

    Additional ASL Resources for Learning More Signs

    1. Signing Time: Signing Time Dictionary provides the video dictionaries to learn other useful signs.
    2. Baby Sign Language: For a complete list of baby-friendly signs, visit Baby Sign Language Dictionary.
    3. YouTube Tutorials: Videos such as this one provide a step-by-step instruction in learning everyday signs such as "all done."
    4. What to Expect: The What To Expect Guide provides a wonderful resource to get parents going with baby sign language.

     

    FAQs

    1. Does "all done" have a different sign than "finished" in ASL?

    Well, yes, there is a slight difference, though they are used mostly interchangeably. "All done" is more casual and frequently used with infants at mealtimes or during playtime. "Finished" means that something is finally over and complete, although it tends to be more formal.

    2. At what age can I start teaching my baby to sign "all done"?

    Most babies can start learning sign language at about 6-9 months of age. Start with simple signs such as "all done" with their daily routine so that they can understand more easily.

    3. How long will it take my baby to learn to sign "all done"?

    It depends on each baby, but most children start using the simple signs after 1-3 months of regular practice. Repetition and consistency are significant factors for learning.

    4. Can sign language be used with hearing children?

    Absolutely! Parents with typical hearing children use American Sign Language to close the gap in communication while their child is developing verbal communication. It's a great tool that will enable your child to communicate needs, minimize frustration, and enhance language skills.

    5. Are there other helpful signs I should be teaching my baby besides "all done"?

    Yes, other helpful signs are "more", "milk", "eat", and "help". These signs are of everyday use and thus can considerably improve the early times of communication between you and your baby.

    For further information and other videos showing the teaching of baby sign language go to Baby Sign Language.

     

    All done" is one simple yet powerful way to communicate with your baby. This will not only facilitate the process of communication but also develop early language in your baby. So, get started with signing today and see your child start taking a whole new interest in the world.

    by Serena Clark