[Persephone76]

I have worked with toddlers for years.

Baby signs - At work we started baby signs when they moved in to our room, which was at 12 months or later. (The baby room teacher didn't do it) There were even kids that started later in age like 15-18 months. They pick it up fast. We didn't do a lot of words, just things we needed most, like 'more' and 'done'. I think most of the 12 months would pick it up and start doing it at about 15-16 months. But there was a room of other toddlers also doing it to show them what to do. But personally I don't think that 18 months is too late. Just start slow with only 2-3 words that you will really need. Once those are good, move on to more.

I'm hoping to use baby signs too. DH was just joking this week that he will need to learn sign too! LOL Or he won't know what we're talking about!

I also think that it would work to use it if an older child if they are preverbal. They say baby signs helps the child to talk a little earlier.

As for characters, I think it is different with each group of children I have. I have 2 year olds this year and we have tried watching some tv (We don't normally watch tv at daycare) One loves Elmo, one loves Pooh...but in the room the only thing we can get them to watch is Barney. So I think it's different with each kid.

Good luck.