Why Should I use Baby Sign Language? Increased communication with your baby... Decreases frustration Increases self-confidence Increases interest in books and the world around them Baby signers score higher on IQ tests, understand more words, have larger vocabulary and engage in more sophisticated play at an earlier age than non-signers.1 Baby signers provide a foundation for early literacy. Worry not! Baby sign has not been found to discourage verbal language skills. In fact, baby signers often talk earlier than non-signers. 1The increase in expressive communication encourages children to desire a faster and more efficient means of communication.

When Should I use Baby Sign Language? Babies may start to show interest in communication around 7 or 8 months. They may point to things, wave, and show interest in books and toys. Begin to sign to baby as soon as you notice these changes. You will most likely not see any results until 9 or 10 months. Expect that your child will understand your signs long before they use them. Just like in spoken language, receptive language develops before expressive language. Signing may be useful some time between 9 and 30 months. As your child develops verbal skills, the signing will drop off gradually until they are using only spoken language. If your child is a year old, you can still start signing. Children with language skills can still benefit. It is never too late.

How Should I use Baby Sign Language? It is suggested in Baby Signs: How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk to begin using only 5 words. Other sources suggest one word for children under one and three signs for children over a year. Once they learn these first signs and understand the connection, the floodgates should open and you can introduce signs as fast as your baby learns them. Each child will set their own pace. Choose signs that are simple and interest the baby. They can be things that you already use like waving hello and goodbye, nodding and shaking head for yes and no, and placing a finger to the lips for quiet. You might start with signs like eat, more, or bath. You might also want to start with things that baby notices around him/her like doggy or kitty. Show the signs in context of the situation. Be consistent and speak clearly. If you use the word bath, ask your child, “Are you ready for your bath? It is bath time. Let's take our bath. Baby is in the bath. Did you like your bath? Was your bath fun?” Each time you say the word bath, use the sign. You may need to put your hands in the baby's line of sight. You can try signing with your baby in a mirror so they can see their own hands. You can guide their hands gently. Don't expect perfection from baby. Motor skills are limited. Use books, songs, and poems.

Who is the instructor? Cindy Burgstein earned a BS in Elementary Education and an MS is Educational Technology. She has been a teacher for ten years. Sign Language was included in her training and she has worked with the deaf in the regular classroom. Cindy is now mom who is teaching sign language to her two daughters. To find out more about Cindy's education and experience, go to http://oocities.com/cburgstein/. "We learned so much in just one lesson, lots of ideas to try out at home with our little one" "Lara (9 months) enjoyed participating in the sign language lesson since Cindy provided so many fun activities - singing and reading - that make the signs easy to practice" "Our lesson with Cindy was wonderfully informative and well structured. We felt that in just a couple of hours we were provided with useful tools and resources to explore with our little one" ---Andrea, Vic and Lara The sign language that Cindy has taught us has been invaluable. My son started to get so frustrated when he could not communicate with us, especially at mealtimes. Once he learned sign language, his frustration dissipated. Cindy is a natural teacher and has taught us so many creative ways to teach our son sign language. My husband and I enjoyed taking the class together so we both could learn about sign language and the techniques to implement it. My son started talking early but we continued to use the sign language to teach manners and other difficult words to pronounce. I am thrilled that he knew how to say "please" and "thank you" before he was 18 months! ---Nicole, Stephen and Reese

How do I sign up? Classes are offered on Tuesdays between 9:30 and 11:30. They can take place in my home or in yours. The first class is 40 minutes and follow-ups are 30 minutes each. The cost is $20/ family of one or two adults per class. After the introductory class, you can sign up for the subsequent classes as a package or individually. Each class is $20 or the package of all five classes is a total of $95. E-mail talktothehands2005@yahoo.com to discuss a time and place for your class. Introductory class: You will learn about signing and how it will be helpful to your child. You will be taught the alphabet and a number of signs that have to do with basic needs. You will participate in several activities that you will be able to use to teach your child to sign. Follow up classes: There will be five follow up classes. Each class will teach you more signs and activities. The signs are grouped in themes. Mealtime, Zoo Animals, Farm Animals, Feelings, Transportation/Actions. You can also request a theme.

Where are classes held? Classes take place in Middletown, RI. Please e-mail talktothehands2005@yahoo.com for an address and directions.

Baby Sign Language Pictures [Airplane] [Daddy] [Hat] [Love] [More]