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Baby Signing
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Written by Christine Matthews   

 
baby signs food1.jpg

Have you heard of ‘baby signing’?


The recent parenting craze for using signs with hearing babies before they can speak is no longer seen as a passing fad from the US, and is gaining popularity here in the UK.


‘Baby Signing’ has been in the media a lot recently,even in the new Movie "Meet the Fockers!" – So:


What is baby signing?


As a part of normal development before speech is well established babies often use a combination of gestures and sounds in attempts to make themselves understood. For example babies may point, shake their heads for 'no' or wave 'bye-bye'. ‘Baby Signing’ is using this natural stage. By introducing more signs we support and extend the natural development. ‘Baby Signing’ helps babies to associate words and things together, helping them to absorb and remember them!


It gives pre-verbal babies the chance to communicate and therefore cut down the frustration. (For the baby and the adults around them!)


Why are we called ‘Sing and Sign’?


We use singing and music to help teach signs, why? Because babies love music!


Our aim is that babies can enjoy the music and social aspects of class while parents learn about ‘Baby Signing’ and how to use the signs at home.


The original concept of 'Sing and Sign' classes, where the signs are taught through music, has already taught baby signing to thousands of families across the UK since its launch in 2001 and seen a surge in the number of parents who are attracted by the obvious benefits of understanding their baby better. There are currently over 200 classes running across the UK!


Musical activities, while fun, also help to stimulate baby’s language development, their memory and their attention skills. So we have the joint benefits of music and Signing classes.


Want will you learn at 'Sing and Sign'?


We run a 10/12 week course with a set curriculum. In level one you will be shown over 100 signs. These are split into 2 different kinds of signs.


Basic and Fun signs.


Basic Signs.


These are the signs for things in our daily routines. Things like eat, drink, milk, sleep, bed time, going out etc.


Fun Signs.


These match the things that interest babies. Signs for animals, vehicles, favourite toys etc. Parents choose the signs that match their child best.


We teach babies from 6 to 24 mths. Each class follows a set pattern with pictures, props, instruments, music and books being used. Each class is 30 – 45 minutes with time to chat and play at the end. Each week a handout is given to help the parents to continue the signing at home.We don't use too many signs within the songs, just enough to highlight the key words. This ensures all songs are easy to sign along with for the beginner.


Remember!


We are teaching mainly hearing babies who will communicate by speech soon, so all signs are done while the word is spoken. We recommend that you follow these simple guidelines:


Begin with more, finished, eat, drink/milk starting at 6-9 months


· Follow your baby’s lead. From 9 months onwards, watch to see what interests your baby. Introduce signs you think your baby might WANT to say (not necessarily words you would like to teach).


· Always say the word as you sign. Never sign in silence.


· Speak slowly but in a natural way, maintaining eye contact if possible.


· Keep it simple, use just one sign per sentence when speaking with your baby. Signing fuller sentences is fine in songs.


· Happily accept any signing attempts by your baby, even approximate imitations of the signs you show........


· ....but you must be consistent in how you show a sign, however your baby adapts it.


· Avoid trying to get your baby to "perform" signs for relatives or friends.


· Be patient and relaxed about baby signing.


· Praise, praise, praise!


BUT will all this signing delay babies from starting to talk? Not so, say the experts. In fact signing encourages babies’ speech, as long as parents say the word at the same time. ‘Sing and Sign’ is widely recommended by Sure Start, the Government’s programme to deliver the best start in life for every child. Sure Start services across the UK have funded many Sing and Sign groups to benefit local parents. Susan Duffy, Speech and Language Therapist for Sure Start says, " 'Sing and Sign' is a brilliant programme. We suggest all our mums and babies use signs, gesture is a natural first form of communication. The gestures used in 'Sing and Sign' can help babies understand more of what is said to them and enables babies to express themselves earlier. Using signs can make life for parents far less stressful"


‘Baby Signing’ can be rewarding and educational – but most of all it should be fun!


To learn more, or to find a class near you take a look at our exciting new, interactive Website! The website, www.singandsign.com, is the brainchild of Sasha Felix, founder of the UK’s first franchised baby signing classes, ‘Sing and Sign’



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