Here is a photo from a MSH grad! She is signing "milk". Thanks for sharing mom :)

orange (in our region both the colour and the fruit)- squeeze your dominant hand in front of your mouth (same sign as milk but the placement is different)

penguin - walk like a penguin waddling back and forth

My son has just started signing like crazy! Still not talking, but he at least signs with us. He's mastered milk, more, eat, bath, bird, bed, apple, his own version of cracker and cookie.  It's awesome! Honestly, I don't know what I'd do if he didn't sign.  He's obviously not ready to talk and I know there's nothing wrong with his hearing or his comprehension.  This would have turned into quite a frustrating time otherwise.  But, we can communicate, and so can
he.  So, I love it, and can't thank you enough.

As baby signing starts to increase in popularity there are more and more options available for signing classes. What is a parent to do? How do you decide which class is the right fit for you? Here are just a few things to consider before you register for a signing class (or any class).

Before you spend any money on a class, ask if the instructor or company offers demo classes. This is a great way to check things out before you make any sort of commitment. Ask questions! How long is the class? What materials are included? Are there any “extra” costs? What happens if you need to miss a class? Is there an opportunity to review the material missed? What if you need to withdraw from the class? These are all very important questions when you are committing to a class or classes – babies keep us on our toes, our schedules can change at any moment so it is important to ask about the “what ifs”.

Attending a demo class also gives you the opportunity to get to know the instructor. You want to be sure that you are comfortable with the person who is teaching the class. In some cases you may be spending 6 or 8 weeks with this person. Be sure that you feel like it is a positive environment where you and your little one will learn and flourish. Also consider the experience of the instructor. Just like any other class you would register for, look for someone who is qualified to be teaching baby signing. Unfortunately there are many businesses out there who will hire anyone who pays the instructor fees.  When I was looking into becoming an instructor I was really disappointed to find that more often than not, this was the case. Look for someone who has a background in ASL and teaching. This way you are sure to get your money’s worth!

Ask yourself a few addition questions to determine what’s important to you. Do you want a class that will teach real ASL signs? Do you want to support a local business? Is it important that the business has awards or has been recognized for their curriculum? Are they teaching something that is relevant for you? Are there additional classes available if you want to continue classes? Figure out what is important to you and your family and then decide which class is the best fit and have fun!

If you've considered taking a class but you'd like to get a little taste of what it would be like before you sign up, this demo class is for you!

Imagine communicating with your baby before he or she can even speak. Baby sign language reduces frustration, accelerates verbal development and strengthens cognitive skills. It also enhances child-parent bonding through time spent teaching signs to your baby.

Research shows that preverbal infants can communicate through the use of sign language long before they can verbalize their needs. We will give you the skills and knowledge you will need to communicate with your preverbal, hearing baby. So come and take a class with My Smart Hands™ and learn how to sign with your baby!

Date: April 27, 2012
Time: 10:00am - 10:45am