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SIGNING WITH BABY!

By Lisa Stofko-Learning Lamp February 21, 2013
Ever wonder what your baby’s thinking or what he wants to say?  Baby Signs is a series of classes parents and caregivers can attend with their little ones to learn how to communicate through the use of simple sign language.  The program is backed by two decades of research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which shows that babies who sign are less frustrated when trying to communicate. 

“This is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their babies in a playful setting as they learn the skills to communicate before they are able to speak,” said Kristi Emerick, the instructor and a certified teacher of Baby Signs.  “We want everyone to have fun with the class, so we incorporate play time and interactive activities to keep the babies attentive.”
The classes are divided into three sections, with the first section of introductory classes being offered for free.  Each class begins with 30 minutes of parent/baby play and ends with 30 minutes of fun learning activities, including hands-on lessons, songs, and story time.  Parents must register for the classes and may sign up for one session or all three.  The classes run from 10 to 11 a.m. on Fridays.  Information on each session is as follows:

•Baby Signs Introduction – The first three classes in the series introduce parents and babies to some simple signs, as well as the most necessary signs parents and babies should know in order to communicate.  The introductory classes are free and run every Friday from March 15 to 29. 

•Baby Signs: Sign, Say and Play I – The second group of classes in the series teaches the signs for mealtime, bedtime, and bath time, among others.  These classes start April 12 and run every Friday until April 26.  Each of the three classes costs $10. (Register for all three for $25)

•Baby Signs: Sign, Say and Play II – The last three classes focus on the signs for getting dressed, playing with pets, and visiting the park.  

Classes start Friday, May 10, and run every Friday until May 24.  Each of the three classes costs $10. (Register for all three for $25) 

All Baby Signs classes use curriculum from by the Baby Signs Institute, founded by Drs. Linda Acradelo and Susan Goodwyn.  The researchers noticed babies using physical signs to communicate their emotions and needs to their parents.  They have since authored three bestselling books on the subject, and now certify teachers in the United States to teach families these useful skills. Supplemental materials such as Baby Signs® board books and DVDs are available for purchase. The Learning Lamp’s Kristi Emerick is the only agency-certified Baby Signs instructor in Pennsylvania.
To learn more about or register for the classes, call Kristi at (814) 262-0732.  To learn more about the Baby Signs Institute, visit www.babysigns.com.  For more information about The Learning Lamp, visit www.thelearninglamp.org.