Benefits

Many parents are getting a fascinating window into their baby’s mind. They are astonished with how attentive babies are and how much they’re thinking about. Watch in wonder as your baby discovers the world of language and the world around them. Given the right guidance, they have lots to say with their hands. What if you could understand what your baby wants, needs or sees? Imagine if your 8 month old told you she’s hungry without crying, or your 10 month old told you he saw an airplane in the sky without grunting, or your 14 month old told you that he was feeling sick today. What greater gift to give your child that the gift of communication.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and professionals everywhere are discovering the benefits of learning sign language through the Baby Sign-Along Program. The combination of simple sign language, singing, music, games and stories introduces the concept of sign language with your baby in a fun and playful way. And we will give you all the guidance you’ll need along the way. So if you’re a parent who is new to the idea of using sign language, our simple and fun classes will have you talking, singing and telling stories through sign before you know it.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why should I sign with my hearing child when he is already developing normally?
 A: Signing with your pre-verbal baby can accelerate language development, increase his IQ and increase his interest in books. This will stimulate intellectual development and change the way you interact with him.  This in turn will empower him to express his wants, needs and feelings sooner.  Singing will build his self-esteem, reduce frustration, and help avoid temper tantrums.
   
 Q2: When should I start signing with my baby?
 A: I recommend that you start to sign with your child anytime after 3 months. The ideal age is around 6 months as babies after 6 months possess the ability to remember signs and have the motor skills to create them. But you can start signing with your baby as early as three months if they seem like they are ready or you are excited to start learning. If your baby can wave bye-bye, or can clap their hands, they are definitely ready to sign. Is your baby starting to shake their head “yes” or “no”? Is your baby taking an interest in picture books? Is your baby frustrated when you don’t understand their needs? Is your baby a little older and are there still important things he or she doesn’t have words for? Then this is a good time to start signing with your pre-lingual baby or toddler.
   
 Q3: How long will it be before my baby signs to me?
 A:
All babies are different so it will depend, but if you begin signing when your child is 6 – 7 months old it is quite possible that by the time your child reaches 8 – 9 months he will begin signing to you.  Some children do not start signing back until they are closer to 12 months old.  Once they have internalized the meaning of the signs and have developed the cognitive and motor skills necessary to sign, they will communicate with you.  This process is similar to a child learning to speak.
   
 Q4: Does using sign language with babies interrupt or delay a child’s speech development?
 A

Actually, research states the opposite is true.  Using sign language with your child can accelerate speech development.  Since they are already using language in their heads and putting signed words together to communicate things, once they are able to form the sounds necessary, they quickly add speech to their signs.  Gradually, they will drop the signs and only use the spoken word.  Much like crawling does not inhibit a child’s ability to walk, there has been no indication of a resulting speech delay from signing.  Check out our research page for more information.
   
 Q5: Do I have to learn a whole new language?
 A:
The intention of using baby sign language is NOT to teach you or your child a second language, but to facilitate earlier communication.  You will be supporting spoken English by modeling signs for key words.  Your child will then sign those key words that will become launching pads for language exposure.