More than 11 million people living in the United Kingdom stuffer with some form of hearing loss, or in fact a large one in six of the population, is the figure given by Action on Hearing Loss. Research has shown by 2035, these percentages are predicted to rise to one in five people. The world is changing and early exposure to sign language is crucial within early years settings (Action Hearing Loss, 2023). Within early childhood education, the embrace of multilingualism and bilingualism represents not only a holistic approach but also a gateway to endless opportunities for our cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research has suggested to us different key factors to help us understand this subject and has formed views on the benefits of children’s development within early years when submerged in a bilingual environment (Holmes, 2023). As societies become increasingly more interconnected, the importance of promoting and nurturing diversity from an early age cannot be underestimated. (Learning Journals, 2021) This essay explores the multiple benefits that multilingualism and bilingualism offer within early years education, particularly in the context of sign language as and additional language. Within early childhood education, the incorporation of sign language as an additional language holds such significant importance. While spoken language is often the primary mode of communication, sign language serves as a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, cognitive development, and communication skills in young learners. This essay explores the impact of bilingualism on brain development and divergent thinking, while also examining its links with early years frameworks and programs. Through this essay we undercover cognitive advantages and societal implications of embracing a diverse environment from an early age. Through this essay we aim to shed light upon the significance of nurturing and promoting bilingualism in educational settings and beyond. 

Early childhood multilingualism refers to the development of multiple languages in young children. Bilingualism on the other hand, focuses more specifically on being at ease in two languages. This period of a child's life is like a sponge for learning language, their minds can absorb it all. Growing up bilingual has many different advantages, it improves problem solving skills, mental capacity and enables understanding and communication with people from different backgrounds. It’s almost like giving them a superpower that will help them succeed in school and broadens their perspective on the world. (www.educhildcare.com.au, 2022)
Babies that were exposed to two or more languages were able to detect a switch in language as early as six months old. The abilities that a baby gains by learning a second or third language are immeasurable and acquiring one does not have a negative effect on a child’s first language. Children who speak many languages are able to quickly shift their attention and reply, demonstrating cognitive flexibility. (The Blossom Nursery, 2022)

Working within an early year’s education environment as a learning support assistant allows me to understand first hand benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. As demonstrated in part 1 being able to undertake techniques and learn skills for better future practice is key in supporting young children’s holistic development (The Bell Foundation, n.d.)
As demonstrated in part 1 I will discuss sign language as an additional language to help form an understanding on the importance within early years settings. Learning Journals, (2021) suggests, sign language as a second language in early childhood settings is crucial because it helps create a pathway to improved inclusion, communication, and cognitive development. With its tactile and visual elements, sign language offers children a special way to express themselves, to communicate with others while also developing their language skills and enabling meaningful communication. 

In classrooms and home environments where spoken language may not be fully accessible to all, sign language serves as a universal language, giving opportunities and empowers children, teachers, and families to express themselves confidently. As shown in the part 1 video I have used sign language as a universal language which was developed around the little trooper’s club ideas, this is a club formed by the SSCE (supporting service children within education) which my role is to support. We have many service families in our school who have different communication needs and the children asked us to help support them sign a song for there families and friends. The video you see today is in fact a lesson I taught through the whole school to display in our little trooper’s assembly for our SSCE silver award. We encouraged the children to lead the learning and provided the environment enable this. 

In addition, it has been demonstrated that early childhood sign language exposure has major cognitive benefits. Research shows that learning sign language in addition to spoken language can improve cognitive development, improving problem-solving, memory, and attention spans. Furthermore, fostering cognitive development and strengthening brain connections, this dual language exposure creates a solid basis for future academic achievements and success (Marschark, Sarchet and Trani, 2016). 
Beyond its benefits to cognitive development, early sign language exposure helps children grow socially and emotionally by encouraging empathy, collaboration, and understanding amongst peers. Children get a greater understanding of additional learning needs, which develops good understanding of acceptance and respect in the setting (Learning Journals, 2021). 

The term cognitive development describes how mental functions like memory, problem-solving, and language acquisition expands and matures. It is an essential component of a child's whole development since it prepares them for the day to day outside world. Multisensory learning, which includes using numerous senses at once during learning is one useful strategy for fostering cognitive growth in young students (California Department of Education, n.d.).