VISUAL LANGUAGE & VISUAL LEARNING
NSF supported Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning, SBE-1041725.
RESEARCH BRIEF: DIFFERENT WAYS OF THINKING:
THE IMPORTANCE OF GESTURE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT
JUNE 2013 Photo by Sharon Seegers
LEARNING FROM
RESEARCH
# 10 Written by: So-One Hwang Ph.D. Melissa Herzig Ed.D Carol Padden Ph.D.
Key Findings on the Importance of Gesture in Child Development: • Gesture communicates information not contained in language, for both deaf and hearing individuals. • Gesture accompanies sign language, yet it is distinct from sign language. • Gesture aids thinking and learning, particularly for math and science. • Gestures often precede or accompany important milestones in spoken and sign language development. • Gesture can communicate—and impact—readiness to learn. • Gesture plays a role in the cognitive and social development of children, deaf and hearing alike.
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