What age are the classes best for?
Classes are intended for newborn to age 3.
If you take a class with a younger baby, of course, they won’t be able to directly participate in the activities. The benefit though, is starting with signing as young as possible means your baby will begin signing as soon as they are ready! You will learn activities that are easy to repeat at home, as soon as your baby is developmentally ready. And classes are fun for parents too! Its an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with other parents who have babies the same age as yours.

With an older baby, they will begin to participate a little bit more, but don’t expect them to sign along in class just yet! Older babies may be interested in the other babies, and may be eager to reach for and hold the props. Your baby will love to hear you sing and watch your hands as you sign the keywords. With older infants, signing is right around the corner, so the more consistent you sign, the sooner you will see a sign! In class, you will learn ways to work signs into your every day life.

Though depending on the child, some younger toddlers may already be beginning to talk, that doesn’t mean its not a great time to learn some signs! Many of the class activities are perfect for this age, and nearly all children are developmentally ready to sign, so your child will be ready to participate in full. Ever wonder if your toddler was saying “shoes” or “juice?” Now they can clarify their words with a sign to reduce tantrums.

Its fun having an older toddler in the class! Even if your 2-3 year old has excellent speech, signing is simply fun, and so are the classes! Signing with a “big kid” provides instant gratification because they are able to sign back right away. I like to call on the oldest kids in class to be helpers and demonstrate the signs for the younger kids. Signing classes are an excellent extracurricular activity for your toddler and provide one on one time with a parent that they will look forward to every week.

What are the classes like?
Each class will begin with the Welcome Song, introductions or sharing of progress, and then introduce the week’s signs. We will practice the signs by learning songs and playing games. You will learn tips on how to be successful at home. We will wrap up with the Goodbye Song, and Q&A. Some classes include a snack or a story time.

My child has special needs, can we come to class?
Absolutely! Signing can be a huge benefit for children with autism, down syndrome, apraxia of speech, cerebral palsy, speech delays and many others. All children are welcome!

At what age will my baby start signing back to me?
Most babies start signing somewhere around 9-12 months. A few babies might sign as early as 6 months (and even earlier isn’t unheard of!) but don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a sign until after their 1st birthday. Keep an eye out for evidence that your baby is recognizing the signs you show him. For example, if you sign “milk” he might get excited and open his mouth in anticipation of a breast or bottle.

My child is already talking. Is it too late to introduce signing?
Its never too late! Signing is a fun second language for children of all ages. Signing can offer clarification before they speak clearly. For example, there was a time when my daughter said car, stroller, flower, sweater, and hair exactly the same! During that time, signs were a lifesaver.

Won’t signing delay speech?
No! Children who sign usually speak earlier than those who do not. Researchers have found that signing uses the same part of the brain as spoken language. From personal experience, the first several words my daughter learned to speak were the signs that she already knew how to sign. Signing is especially helpful for children who have speech delays. “Communication does not delay communication!”

Why use American Sign Language instead of more simplified Baby Signs?
American Sign Language is a real language, just like Spanish or French, used by millions of people. Just like how your child might say “kiki” before they are able to say “kitty”, they will alter the signs to be easier to use as well. Keep using the real sign yourself, and eventually, as their motor skills develop, your child will learn to use the signs correctly.

What if I miss a class?
You may attend as a guest in a future session for up to two missed classes.

What is your affiliation with Signing Time?
I am an independent contractor of Signing Time/Two Little Hands. I have my own company, Little Signing Stars, but use curriculum provided by Signing Time Academy and pay licensing fees for the right to use their curriculum and name.