Down and Up: Useful Signs

One of the easiest signs to learn, and one of the easiest signs to understand is 'down'.

Obviously, its opposite, 'up', is just as easy.

These two signs can be really handy to know when taking care of little ones.  

To sign 'down' simply point and move your index finger down several times.

To sign 'up' point and move your index finger up several times.

With Elaina, I started signing 'down' first, as it is a much easier sign to learn than 'sit'.  She likes to stand up in the bath and in her high chair.  Neither situation is safe.  So, I started signing 'down' while saying "sit down, Elaina".

She understands the sign very well (every time I sign it, I physically sit her down).  In fact, she understands it so well that she will stand up and sign 'down' once we look at her.

The fact that she has everybody's attention when she does this, as well as lots of laughter directed at her, is no doubt one of the reasons she puts on the signing show.  I have since gotten her a new high chair with better restraints.

The sign 'up' is pretty easy to implement into your daily life as well.

When Elaina is done eating, I will sign 'all done' and then 'up' while asking her if she is all done and would like to come out.

You can also use the 'up' sign when your little one wants to come out of her carseat 

or to be picked up into a grown-ups arms.

Try these signs!  They're universal and everybody will understand them whether they know American Sign Language or not!