6 Easy Sign Language Signs to Teach Your Toddler

Helping your toddler communicate doesn’t always require full sentences. Simple sign language signs can give young children a way to express their needs, reduce frustration, and build early communication skills.

My name is Zach, and I’m an occupational therapy student here at Joy and Laughter Developmental Therapy Clinic. And today, we are going to go over six easy sign language signs to teach your toddler.

1. How to Say “More”

The next easy sign to teach a toddler is “all done.” To do this, you’re going to first, hold up your hands with your palms facing out. Then, turn your palms so they’re facing you. Lastly, turn your palms again to be facing out.

This sign is especially helpful because it allows your toddler to communicate that they want more of something—such as more food, more playtime, or more time with a preferred toy. In addition, this should also help further develop your toddler’s receptive language skills before they’re able to communicate in full sentences.

2. How to Say “All Done”

This is a very useful sign to teach a toddler as it could help them communicate that they’re all done with their food, play, or adult-led task. In addition, the parent can say “all done” to the toddler, and over time, they could either nod or sign back “all done” back to show they understand.

3. How to Say “Eat”

The next easy sign to teach your toddler is how to say “eat.” To do this, you’re going to flatten your fingers and put your thumb underneath (like a crocodile mouth), bring your finger tips toward your mouth, and then pull them away.

This sign is very important as it could help your toddler communicate and gain autonomy and independence on wanting more food to eat during mealtimes. In addition, knowing this sign could also reduce stress during mealtime for both the parent and the toddler, as now there can be clear communication on whether or not they’re hungry or they’re full.

4. How to Say “Drink”

Another easy sign to teach your toddler is how to say “drink.” This one is very simple: you hold up your hand like you are holding a glass, and tilt it toward your mouth as though you’re drinking it.

This sign is important as it could help you understand whether or not your toddler needs a drink during mealtime, throughout the day, or especially while playing or engaging in movement-based activities where they might get thirsty.

5. How to Say “Break”

The next easy sign to teach your toddler is how to ask for a “break.” To do this, you’re going to take your hands, put them together (like you’re holding a bundle of spaghetti or a stick), and rotate your hands to mimic breaking the bundle in half.

This sign could help your toddler communicate to you that they need a break from a meal, a play activity, or an adult-led task. This could also foster connection between the toddler and the parent as it teaches them that, once they indicate that they need a break, they’ll get it. It may be just a sensory break, or a quick rest from a task; but your child will know they can ask and you will understand.

6. How to Say “Help”

The last easy sign to teach your toddler is how to ask for “help.” To do this, you’re going to hold out your left hand with the palm facing up. With your right hand, make the “thumbs up” sign. Then place your right hand down on your left palm. (It may help to think of your left hand as a plate, your right fist is a cupcake, and your thumb is a candle. To ask for help, you have to put the cupcake on the plate.)

This is an important sign as asking for help can be utilized in a variety of ways. It works during mealtime when your toddler is trying to grab a food item, or during a play task where they might not be able to open a certain play item that they want to get to. And this could also help build emotional regulation as, during a very hard task, it gives toddlers a way to communicate their needs instead of becoming frustrated or overwhelmed.

Tips for Teaching Sign Language to Your Toddler

I would also like to mention that it’s important for parents and caregivers to use and model sign language during daily routines, especially in the moment during play or tasks. Signing while talking helps toddlers learn when and how to use each sign appropriately.

By consistently modeling these signs, parents can help their toddlers practice communication in real-life situations and understand the cues for using each sign.

Get Expert Support for Your Child

Teaching simple sign language can be a powerful first step in supporting your toddler’s communication. If you’d like guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs, our occupational therapists at Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy Clinic are here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we support communication development through everyday activities. And subscribe to our YouTube channel for more helpful videos from our therapy team on supporting your child’s development.

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Schedule an Evaluation with Our Experts Today

Ready to get started? Our expert pediatric therapists are ready to help your child overcome their challenges so they can experience life full of joy and laughter. All you have to do is reach out, and we’ll get started with play-based therapy that works.

Give us a call at (408) 337-2727 or fill out the contact form below to schedule an evaluation with our team, and let’s make childhood fun again!

Ms. Annette
Speech and Language Pathology

Annette’s journey toward becoming a speech-language pathologist began when her mother survived brain cancer for the first time. Watching her mother relearn how to speak—and attending many of her therapy sessions—deeply inspired her and sparked a genuine fascination with the field. At the time, Annette had recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was searching for the next direction in her career. After her mother later passed away following a second battle with brain cancer, Annette chose to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in her honor. Her mother’s strength, determination, and journey with communication rehabilitation continue to guide and motivate Annette’s work today.

With over 16 years of experience as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Annette has dedicated her career to helping children and adolescents find their voice, build confidence, and develop the communication skills they need to thrive. Her passion has always been working with neurodivergent learners, especially children and teens with autism. In recent years, she has begun integrating her interest in functional medicine to support the overall health of her clients, recognizing its impact on speech and well-being. By addressing root causes, she provides personalized strategies that enhance communication and quality of life through holistic functional medicine practices.

Early in her career, Annette was part of the team that developed ACE—Autism Center for Excellence—an innovative after-school program designed to support autistic adolescents through targeted communication work, social-emotional skill building, and peer-supported engagement. This program quickly became a valued resource for families and helped solidify her long-term commitment to serving children on the spectrum.

Throughout her professional journey, Annette has built a reputation for providing functional, family-centered therapy specializing in expressive and receptive language, social communication, behavior-supported communication, and parent advocacy. Whether working in schools, private practice, or home-based settings, her goal is always to meet each child where they are—by stepping into their world—and helping them grow into their fullest potential. (Fun fact: her parent support group calls her “the kid whisperer.”)

Outside of work, Annette is a proud single mom to her 16-year-old daughter, Lexi, a competitive fastpitch softball pitcher. Lexi’s dedication to the sport has taken them across the country—tournaments in Italy, showcases in Arizona and Texas, and college recruiting events in Montana. Traveling together has strengthened their bond and given Annette a deep appreciation for balance, resilience, and the importance of supporting young athletes as they pursue big dreams.

Today, Annette continues to expand her private practice, MySckool, while advocating for high-quality communication services, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and meaningful family partnerships. Her life’s work is rooted in empowering children—whether through communication, confidence, or opportunity—to succeed in every environment they enter.

Ms. Jennifer
OTR, Founder and Executive Director

Jennifer received her Master’s Degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State University, after double majoring in occupational therapy and psychology for her undergraduate program. Jennifer has been working with special needs children since 2005 both as a therapist and as a respite care worker. She has experience in working with children across the developmental spectrum and from 1-22 years of age. While Autism has been her primary area of practice she also has hands-on experience in working with children with down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Tourette’s, Dyslexia, ADD/ADHA, sensory processing disorders, mental retardation, and other developmental delays.

Outside of work Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, cake decorating, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her family.

Languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL)

Specialty Areas: Autism, Feeding, Swallowing, and Pediatrics Advanced Certifications: Physical Agent Modalities (PAM), Swallowing (SWC), SPD Pro 1 Certification

Certifications & Continuing Education Jennifer has participated in that are often highly sought after by clients and mentees. Handwriting Without Tears (HWT): Is a nationally recognized handwriting program that helps children gain the skills needed for both print and cursive writing. HWT draws from years of experience and research which helps provide developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory tools and strategies to help children learn the skills for handwriting. Children are taught handwriting skills using interactive materials and activities that help promote the skills needed for handwriting. Visit https://www.lwtears.com/ for more information.

Jennifer has received level 1 certification in this program. Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Solutions: A feeding program that incorporates the principles and practices from multiple disciplines including psychology, pediatrics, occupational therapy, dietetics, and speech-language pathology. The SOS program incorporates sensory, motor, oral, behavioral, learning, medical, and nutritional factors to create a comprehensive program for each child. The SOS program has over 20 years of success for helping infants, children and adolescents learn to eat. For more information visit https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/sos-certification/.

Jennifer has taken beginning and advanced course work in this approach.SCERTS Model: The SCERTS model is a research-based multidisciplinary framework that helps to address many of the problems faced by a person with ASD. The SCERTS model aims to build a child’s skills in “Social Communication”, Emotional Regulation”, and “Transactional Support”. The SCERTS model aims to help children learn and spontaneously react in a variety of settings. To learn more visit their website. The Son-Rise Program for Autism: The Son-Rise program teaches a specific and comprehensive system of autism treatment and education designed to help families and caregivers enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication, and skill acquisition. For more information visit https://autismtreatmentcenter.org/.

Jennifer learned this program second hand while providing intensive intervention with a child who’s family received specific training from the options institute.Zones of Regulation Curriculum: The Zones curriculum uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach children to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, by managing their sensory needs and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts and share. For more information visit their website at http://www.zonesofregulation.com/learn-more-about-the-zones.html. Jennifer has received first-hand training on this approach by the therapist who developed the curriculum.

Integrated Listening Systems: The iLs system helps to train body/brain integration through a staged approach, starting with the fundamentals of sensory integration and extending through more complex cognitive functions. The iLs program is based on “neuroplasticity” and the fact that the neuronal connections can be improved. For more information on this program visit https://integratedlistening.com/. Jennifer has received certification in the use of iLs for home and clinic use.

STAR Model: The STAR Institue for sensory processing disorders provides treatment, education, and research for children, adolescents and adults with SPD. The STAR Institue provides clinicians with a unique opportunity to receive ongoing education to develop advanced clinical reasoning and treatment skills for individuals with sensory processing.

VitalStim: VitalStim is the only FDA-cleared treatment for NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) treatment for dysphagia. This modality is specifically designed to improve the mechanisms of the swallow. Visit https://www.ciaoseminars.com/home/vitalstim/ for more information. Jennifer is certified to provide treatment using the VitalStim+ system.”

Ms. Shivali
Physical Therapist

Shivali’s journey with kids began over 15 years ago, where she’s been fortunate to witness their incredible growth as a Physical Therapist. After graduating in 2009, she established her own practice in India, nurturing a deep understanding of individual needs and fostering a supportive environment.

Relocating to Virginia in 2013, Shivali embraced new challenges. She thrived in an outpatient Functional Movement based setting, collaborating with Speech, Occupational, Developmental therapists as well as movement aides and assistants to provide a holistic approach to her therapeutic interventions. Her passion for supporting families flourished as an Early Interventionist for Fairfax County, where she valued the importance of natural environments, parental participation and individualized care to support children and their families meet their functional goals. She worked as an Assistive Technology manager to handle all the therapeutic equipment for the county therapists and patients. Shivali brings a wealth of experience to her practice, having dedicated her career to supporting children from infancy through young adulthood. She has a deep understanding of diverse developmental needs, including those facing children with Delayed milestones, Torticollis, Down syndrome, Plagiocephaly, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, ADD, Muscular Dystrophies, Cerebral Palsyand genetic abnormalities. Her approach is multi-faceted, drawing from a range of evidence-based therapies such as Total Motion Release, DIR Floortime, Kinesio Taping, Learning Without Tears to name a few to create personalized treatment plans that foster each child’s unique growth and development.

The summer of 2022 brought the family to sunny California, where Shivali currently dedicates her expertise to supporting children within a school district and with Joy and Laughter.

Beyond the clinic, Shivali cherishes her role as a mother to two vibrant daughters. Together with her husband, they embrace adventures, exploring new parks and hiking trails. A culinary enthusiast, Shivali delights in creating healthy and exciting meals for her family. And for a touch of self-care, she enjoys crafting her own skincare products for her family and friends!
Shivali is thrilled to bring her passion, experience and playful spirit for pediatric therapy to JLD, empowering children to reach their full potential.

Ms. Jennifer
Speech Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist

Since earning her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona Jennifer has specialized in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders; working in hospitals, clinics and home health settings. For over 10 years she has been evaluating and treating children, newborns to adolescents, with a variety of disorders including, premature birth, autism spectrum disorders, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, tongue and tip tie, cleft lip and palate, organ transplant recipients and medically fragile children. She has transitioned medically fragile infants and children from tube feedings to oral feedings and advised physicians on feeding tube removals. She has completed training in the “Get Permission Approach to Feeding Therapy”, “Beckman Oral Motor Protocol,” and “Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training.” Additionally, she has specialized training in the underlying medical causes of feeding and swallowing disorders and in assembling and working with an interdisciplinary medical team to address often overlooked medical issues. She conducts training with local medical professionals to provide education on pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She uses a whole-body approach when assessing and treating feeding and swallowing disorders.

Jennifer is a certified infant massage instructor and utilizes these skills to teach family massage techniques that improve parent-child attachment, muscle activation, and digestion. She also enjoys and has experience in providing pediatric speech and language evaluations and therapy to children with a variety of special needs including those who have a tracheostomy tube, are medically fragile, born premature, have developmental delays, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cognitive disabilities, chromosome abnormalities, drug exposure, tongue thrust, etc. Jennifer has advanced proficiency in American Sign Language and has employed this skill to improve the communication within D/deaf and hard of hearing families and hearing families who want to use a total communication approach. She is TOTS certified as well.

Jennifer and her husband have three young children. They all love riding bikes, hiking, and exploring California together. She is scuba certified and loves traveling back home to Florida to dive in the warm water.