I’m quite excited about this Saturday – and quite nervous! – as I’m truly embarking on a new adventure. Those of you who follow my (rather infrequent…) postings on this blog will know that I’ve been taking Lucy to baby signing classes since she was 6 months old, and that it’s been a great success in our family – she started signing like mad when she was about 14 months old, and it bridged the gap in communication before she was speaking clearly.
Well, we had such a good experience that when the opportunity came up to buy our local TinyTalk franchise and become a baby sign teacher myself, I jumped at the chance. And this Saturday is my training day.
There are a few mixed emotions – I’ve never been my own boss before – well, at least in terms of earning a living! – and there are going to be some initial issues over childcare, but I’m so excited to be able to go back to teaching, but in such a new and unexpected direction. So, for those who don’t know about baby signing, here’s what we’re talking about:
Baby signing is using sign language with pre-verbal children, helping them to understand and to communicate before they can talk. Classes are suitable for all babies from birth to two years. TinyTalk sessions are well structured with 30 minutes of singing and signing, when you and your baby will have fun learning 5 or 6 core themed signs per week and lots of nursery rhymes and action songs; and 30 minutes of social time when you and your baby can interact with the other parents and babies. You’ll get a hot drink and a well deserved chocolate biscuit and your baby will have fun playing with a range of toys and making new little friends.
At TinyTalk you’ll also:
• Get to know your baby – really understand your baby’s needs and interests
• Give your baby a voice – help your baby to understand you and tell you how they feel through signs and speech
• Make your baby smile – babies that are understood are happy babies with happy families, so more smiles all round!
If you’re interested, please get in touch! We’re available in a variety of ways:
Email: bethp@tinytalk.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TinyTalkWokingham
Twitter: @TinyTalkWoky
Website: www.tinytalk.co.uk
Meanwhile, I’m off to polish my signing…
Lucy Signs Songs from Richard Peat on Vimeo.
