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Baby Signers

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I am a busy working mum, to Abigail, and live in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire. I first heard about Babysigning when I was asked to review Joseph Garcia’s Complete Guide to Baby Signing, by ForParentsByParents, as part of their book reviews.

I found the book fascinating and started using the sign for ‘milk’ with Abigail straight away. She was 7 months old at the time. By eight months old she was using the sign for milk herself when she saw her bottle, and then quickly started to use it when she wanted her milk. I was amazed that she was able to use the sign at such a young age. I soon started to introduce new signs to her; ‘daddy’, ‘more’, ‘eat’, ‘star’ (for ‘twinkle twinkle’ her favourite song), and ‘dirty’ (at nappy changing). She was soon signing ‘daddy’ when she looked for him, and ‘more’. By ten months she was consistently using the signs for ‘milk’, ‘more’, ‘eat’ and ‘star’. She had stopped signing ‘daddy’ as she could say the word easily!

To read the review visit Joseph Garcia

This was just the beginning I was now hooked on signing with Abigail. I found out that Babysigners were looking for teachers and decided to find out more. After completing their training course I am now a qualified Babysigners teacher offering classes in the Aylesbury, Amersham, Tring and Princes Risborough areas. The beginners classes run for 6 weeks. Each week has a different theme, such as family, the jungle, the park, and the farm. I use songs, stories and puppets to bring the signs to life. I also give each parent handouts to help them remember the different signs they have learnt each week. There is time after each class to relax with a cup of coffee, and chat to the other parents in the group. These classes can also be run in the comfort of home, for a group of friends. A half day workshop is available which is primarily run for professionals - child minders, nursery nurses, and others with a professional interest but parents who are unable to attend the weekly classes are also very welcome.

Abigail is able to communicate with us at another level she can tell us when she is hungry or thirsty, or when she wants a particular song. Our friends and family also understand what she is asking for. Her nursery has also learnt the signs! It is amazing to think that at one year old she can tell us so much. She is eager to communicate and very vocal. She is able to say ‘mummy’, ‘daddy’, ‘nana’, and ‘hello’. She has also just started saying ‘baby’ for her new dolly. She is using signs and words to let us know what she needs and wants. I am convinced that signing has helped her overall development, and encouraged her to become a sociable baby, keen to communicate with us.

If you would like to find out more and baby signing, and my fun Babysigners classes please contact me at sarah.edwards@babysigners.co.uk

Or visit www.babysigners.co.uk for Babysigners classes in your local area.

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