Little Bear Baby Signing - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is baby signing?
A: Baby signing
is communicating with your child using physical gestures before their
verbal communication has developed. Babies are able to use these non verbal
signs to give us an insight into their world and communicate their thoughts and
needs with us.
Q: What are the benefits of baby signing?
Baby Signing provides a way to communicate before your baby
is able to use words. In so doing it has been shown to reduce frustration and tantrums and has a knock-on positive effect
on your baby's self confidence and self esteem. Signing
stimulates your baby's linguistic and intellectual development and provides both parents and babies with a really rewarding
first experience of communication. They say actions speak louder
than words so take a moment to watch the video of one of the hundreds of children who have learned to sign with us.
Imagine if that was your child - how amazing would that be!
Q:
Will baby signing delay my baby learning to speak?
A: NO, in fact research
suggests the opposite. A baby's natural desire is to communicate with you. Signing does NOT replace speech; each
time you sign with your baby you reinforce the sign by using the word. Your baby copies you and in so doing develops speech.
One study concluded that using baby signs improves language and cognitive ability which did not end when babies started to
talk. In fact using baby signs has far reaching positive implications long after the child has stopped using the signs.
It has been shown that children who signed as babies have 50 more spoken words in their vocabularies by the age of 2
than children who didn’t sign.
Q: When should I start to sign with my baby?
A: We welcome babies from newborn because the sooner
you start the better! I have several babies in my classes who are just a few weeks old. This will make signing
a natural part of your everyday communication and get you comfortable and competent in using the everyday signs. (Also
helpful if mums are going back to work and only able to come for a term). Babies need to have developed a memory
and dexterity which means that babies are usually around the 6+ months age when they make their first attempts although
of course it does vary from child to child. Babies will show an understanding of a sign before they can produce the
sign themselves and we often see this stage occuring before they are six months. When they first start signing
you will quickly be able to introduce more signs and as they get older the rate at which they learn accelerates. Even
toddlers who have started to talk can still benefit from signing as it will help to build their vocabulary further.
Q: Is baby signing hard to do?
A: No, anyone can do it. Baby signing is easy
and here at Little Bear Baby Signing we focus on helping you to learn useful everyday signs. Our classes are designed
to show you how to sign in a fun and relaxed way. There will be other parents/carers there too, all with this shared
interest and practising together. Babies love it! If you still have any doubts think about how a child waves
goodbye - they didnt instinctively know how to do this, they LEARNED how to do it from others who waved every time they said
goodbye. Babies automatically use gestures and this is the basis on which we learn a range of signs.
Q: What are the classes like?
A: Classes are very relaxed and welcoming. We use a variety of enjoyable methods to help learn
the signs including music, songs, nursery rhymes, books and play. The focus is on having FUN, not about who can remember
the words or sing in tune! Click here to read testimonials from some of my parents. Click here to see photos of my classes. We also include a refreshment break at the
end so this is a chance for babies to play and for parents to have a chat and a biscuit! The advantage of learning
to sign by attending classes is that you have the opportunity to ask questions, share tips, get one to one help, see other
babies signing, all within a supportive group. Because children don't sign back immediately many parents have found
this has provided focus and motivation to keep going in those early days before their child signs back.
A: You can contact us by either phoning Jane Milnes on 01489 881251 or emailing us at jane@littlebearbabysigning.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
