Can you say iPod in baby sign language?
There's a lot of buzz going around nationally about teaching babies sign language. I'm intrigued. Does anyone have experience with this? Is it helpful?
A Fresno mother, Kelly Barnhart, is doing a lot of teaching about baby signing in the Valley. I really like this idea. One of the scariest and most frightening parts of being a young mother was not knowing what was wrong with the baby. It would be great if she could tell you she wants her doll or lunch or "Sesame Street."
Wells Hills College Child Development Center staff members were trained in Sign 2 Connect curriculum last semester. They also received training in American Sign Language to assist with behavior management, classroom management and bridging diversity.
Kelly says that babies cry less when they can tell their parents what's wrong. She's found that the benefits of signing in a childcare setting are lower noise levels in toddler and pre-school classrooms by reducing frustrated screaming and crying. Signing minimizes stress and frustration for the caregivers, who are responsible for meeting the needs of multiple children at once. Signing reduces the "guesswork" in meeting each child's maintenance needs resulting in more available time for positive, developmental interaction."
Nancy Jeffcoach, site supervisor in Lemoore, said that once all the staff is trained she's hoping that the parents will also be trained in using sign language.
With young children's ability to learn language, it would seem that this would be a terrific way for children to learn a second language before they even go to school. Wouldn't that be a big plus? Let's see now, maybe even the noise from sibling squabbling would go down if the kids were required to use their sign language. Come to think of it, I think angry signs have been a popular method of communication among kids for a long time!
Kelly teaches signing classes at Mommy Matters at Champlain and Perrin; Sign 2 Connect is located at 6095 North San Pablo Street, Fresno, CA 93704. For more information, phone 559-431-7446, fax 559-432-4646.
Comments
Wow! This is great! I have heard about Kelly and the Sign with your Baby program and they are both great.
Everything she states in the article is true, it does reduce or eliminate screaming, biting, hair pulling, and tantrums. It's a class that shouldn't be missed! She is very qualified and can help parents begin communication easily. Great story.
Posted by: Gwen Cox | August 3, 2006 6:54 AM
My son, Robert, and I took sign language classes from Kelly at Mommy Matters and I found out it was really fun. I think I enjoyed it as much as him. I especially liked it when we incorporated the signing with songs. It is a fun way to bond and communicate with your child.
Posted by: Beth Vargas | August 4, 2006 7:42 AM
I took the class with Kelly when my son was about a year old. He started picking up the signs right away and used them often. I think it reduced his frustration and mine. As he learned to speak orally he continued with his signing when I didn't meet his needs quickly enough or when he was told no. At 2 he still uses signs and thinks it is great fun when he gets reactions from people.
Posted by: Stacy Shasky | August 4, 2006 11:57 AM
Thanks for the wonderful words!
There will be informational presentations at Mommy Matters Tuesday, 8-22-06 at 6:00PM and Saturday, 8-26-06 at 11:30AM
See what it's about!
Posted by: Kelly Barnhart | August 11, 2006 7:38 PM
I have also heard of Kelly! For the month of September, she is actually featured on the website www.sign2me.com! You should check it out! She seems like an amazing teacher.
Posted by: Darlene Underwood | September 6, 2006 7:22 PM
Great article and so true! My little one has signed since she was 9 months old and she is a joy to be around because she can communicate! She is 19 months old now and she signs over 80 signs and talks up a storm too! I recommend to everyone I know SIGN WITH YOUR BABY! It is so easy and truly amazing!
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