Key Word Sign – What is it?

Key Word Sign (KWS) uses signs, facial expressions and natural gestures alongside spoken words to support communication.

It is particularly helpful for people who are pre-speaking, non-speaking, or experiencing communication difficulties.

KWS is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool. This means it can

• Support (augment) speech by adding visual signs to spoken words, helping understanding and clarity;
  
• Replace (act as an alternative to) speech for individuals who are not able to use spoken language.

In Australia, KWS uses signs from Australian Sign Language (Auslan). When using KWS, we speak in full sentences but only sign the key words, making communication clearer without overwhelming the learner.

KWS is one of the most widely used communication approaches for people who can’t rely on speech alone.

Importantly, we already use gestures in everyday life. KWS builds on these natural movements, giving them clear meaning and purpose to support understanding and expression.

Humans have always relied on gestures and signs as a fundamental form of communication. In fact, research suggests that hand gestures and spoken language are deeply intertwined in our evolutionary history, with spoken language likely evolving alongside complex gesture systems.

The formal teaching of sign language began in the 1700s, leading to the development of numerous sign languages worldwide, such as British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and Australian Sign Language (Auslan). In the 1970s, Margaret Walker in the UK observed that Deaf patients with intellectual disabilities communicated more effectively when using signs alongside spoken language. This not only improved their ability to express themselves but also boosted their confidence, self-esteem, and reduced frustration and anger.

Key Word Sign (KWS) borrows signs from Australian Sign Language (Auslan), though it’s important to note that KWS is distinct from Auslan and entails significant differences.

Outlined below are several differences between Auslan and Children’s Key Word Sign (CKWS). For families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children, it’s advisable to seek guidance and support from organisations such as Deaf Children Australia, DeafNav, or Aussie Deaf Kids.

Understanding these differences enables families and professionals to make informed decisions about the most suitable communication strategies for children with diverse needs.

To learn more about the differences between Auslan and Key Word Sign, Click Here.

Makaton, from which Key Word Sign (KWS) evolved, was originally developed for those with disabilities.

However, it’s benefits for others as a communication aid, particularly children, are widely known.

At Sunshine Sign and Sing we believe that more children could benefit from Key Word Sign (KWS) being used across Australia.

Hopefully by now you are like us and already excited by the prospect of children communicating more effectively but just to make sure here are some more benefits.

For benefits linked to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), visit our benefits page, which goes through the extensive research of key word sign and baby sign.

You can start now! Whether you are a new parent, your child has had a recent diagnosis, an Educator or other Professional, or you have only just heard about key word sign we recommend you start as soon as possible.

The research has shown there are no negatives to signing with your child and as well as a fantastic communication tool it is great for bonding too WIN WIN!

We have a number of free online resources, or you could head to our shop to buy some resources for your home.

If you want to discuss what else we can offer you please contact us today.

How to Introduce Signs to Children

Start with a few simple signs, ones that are exciting to the child, like milk for a baby or a family pet. This provides children an incentive for wanting to learn key word sign to communication. Further incorporating it into your daily routine and play, is one of the best ways children can learn.

Experts have recommended that you start with between 10-12 signs, therefore we created a free resource to get you started, this free poster contains 12 key word signs that are useful to implement into your routine. To get yor copy click here.

Start with a few simple signs, ones that are exciting to the child, like milk for a baby or a family pet. This provides children an incentive for wanting to learn key word sign to communication. Further incorporating it into your daily routine and play, is one of the best ways children can learn.

Experts have recommended that you start with between 10-12 signs, therefore we created a free resource to get you started, this free poster contains 12 key word signs that are useful to implement into your routine. To get yor copy click here.