Key Word Sign (KWS) refers to the use of signs and hand gestures to support communication. Key Word Sign is also accompanied by natural gestures such as pointing, facial expressions and body language.
Why do we use Key Word Sign with children (KWS)?
Children use natural gestures such as pointing and waving, as one of the first ways to communicate with us. Children often use gestures before they learn to say their first words. Key Word Sign includes both spoken words and gestures. It is evidence-based and has been shown to improve expressive (spoken) communication and receptive (understanding) communication in children and adults, who require support with speech and language skills.
How do we use Key Word Sign (KWS)?
Key Word Sign involves signing the key or core words in a sentence. This helps to highlight the main words when you are speaking. There are many ways to incorporate key words in everyday routines and activities.
Examples of Key Word Sign
More:
You can use Key Word Sign to highlight the key word ‘more’ in a sentence.
For example,
Do you want more? More drink/food? More blocks?
When blowing bubbles, you can ask your child, ‘Want more bubbles? More bubbles?
Cup your dominant hand, fingers spread and place fingertips on chest.
Move hand forward.
Finished:
We are finished playing. Let’s pack away.
Finished toys.
Finished bath time.
Extend dominant thumb, fingers closed.
Rock hand formation from side to side several times.
Help:
I need help.
Help me.
Do you need help?
Place dominant hand onto non-dominant hand, palms together. Move formation forward. *With directionality
FAQ about Key Word Sign (KWS)
What is the difference between Key Word Sign and Auslan?
Key Word Sign (KWS) borrows signs from Auslan, which is the sign language used by the Australian Deaf community. Key Word Sign (KWS) is not a language. It is a communication strategy and an example of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which seeks to enhance the speech, language and communication skills of children and adults, who require support with their communication.
What are some of the benefits of Key Word Sign (KWS)?
Key Word Sign is a helpful communication strategy, as it allows us to emphasise and draw attention to the key words we are using, whilst we speak. Some of the benefits of Key Word Sign can include:
Supporting your child’s understanding of key words.
Improving your child’s ability to communicate via spoken words and/or gestures.
Reducing any possible frustration and/or communication breakdowns.
Increasing your child’s use of spoken words.
By combining a gesture with spoken word, this helps children to process language more effectively.
Is my child expected to use Key Word Sign (KWS)?
It is recommended to use Key Word Sign regularly in different routines and activities with your child. Children may not immediately use Key Word Sign. They may require frequent repetitions and lots of exposure before they start to use Key Word Sign.
It can be helpful to use Key Word Sign consistently in everyday activities and with different people such as family members. Key Word Sign can also be used alongside visuals and pictures to increase your child’s expressive language (talking) and receptive language (understanding) skills.
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If you would like to find out more information about Key Word Sign (KWS), you can speak with your speech pathologist, who can review KWS with you. You can also visit the Key Word Sign Australia website below to find out further information:
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