Have you ever thought about learning sign language with your baby or toddler?
I think this is such a great idea, and I was super excited when Alison from My Smart Hands contacted me about becoming a sponsor this month. Alison has local classes starting up in the Tacoma area this fall, and she’s also open to coming to you for private tutoring, mom’s groups, and one day seminars.
Why sign with your baby? With American Sign Language you can start signing with your baby around 4-6 months, and he will probably start signing back around 6-8 months. That means your baby can communicate what she needs before she can talk. What an amazing way to reduce frustration for everyone.
In addition to reducing frustration, baby sign language actually helps accelerate verbal development and strengthens cognitive skills. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby or toddler.
If you’ve been reading for a while, you might remember that my younger son had a significant articulation delay. It was so difficult to have a frustrated toddler who couldn’t communicate with us. If I could do it all over, I would absolutely learn to sign with him.
Families who complete the class series will learn over 100 signs they can start teaching to their baby. The class comes with a manual and a 15 song CD for listening and learning at home. Classes include signing, activities, games, and tips. My Smart Hands teaches 100% ASL signs.
The next class series runs September 12th-October 17th on Monday evenings from 5:15-6PM. The entire series is a very reasonable 130.00. Alison has been teaching through the Birthing Inn in Tacoma, but she will also talk to you about coming to you if you’d like to organize your own group. How fun is that?
You can also get a free preview at the park! Alison will be at Sunset Terrace Park in UP on August 21st at 1PM. You can look for her near the swings!
For more information, to sign up, or to talk to Alison about organizing a private class, just get in touch with her via Facebook messenger www.facebook.com/