 is one of those enthusiastic instructors who makes learning fun! A love for sign language, music, and babies allows her to combine those loves while teaching American Sign Language to new families in the community so they can create moments of fun in their homes too. And since signing can lower the frustration level usually found with little ones who cannot yet speak, it's satisfying for families to learn this skill with their babies. Lee Ann still uses it with her kids aged 4 and 8 years even though they can hear and talk. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words!
 FAQ's:
What are Signing Babies classes like?
Signing Babies classes are dynamic and fun, with songs and playtime throughout the learning time. Parents sit with their babies in circle time with other families while Lee Ann presents new signs and songs each week.
Why should I teach my baby to sign?
Because it’s fun, it’s easy, and it works! Because you can meet other families in your neighbourhood. Because you will learn actual sign language, a lifelong skill, not “baby” sign language.
Will signing inhibit their verbal speech?
By always teaching signs while saying the words out loud, babies get to learn them both orally and visually, which augments the process of acquiring speech. Research also indicates that babies who have learned sign language have larger oral vocabularies once in kindergarten, not the other way around.
When should I start learning and teaching signs to my baby?
Research shows that some babies start showing recognition of sign language around 4-6 months, but it’s never too early to start signing at home. Remembering to add signs to your everyday banter is the only tricky part, so the earlier you start the easier it gets and the more your baby will see you signing. It’s the repetition that babies recognize and follow.
When will my baby sign back to me?
Generally, babies tend to sign back around 8-10 months old, depending on when signing was taught. But much before that, babies can recognize your signs and respond back to you. Imagine that! Older babies closer to the age of 1 year can learn signs within days or weeks.
What if my baby usually sleeps during class time?
Only you need to be awake! Babies can sleep during the class, and often do. Lee Ann will teach you the signs and songs each week and you practice at home at your own pace with the accompanying worksheets.
You can contact Lee Ann at signingbabies@shaw.ca for more information about Signing Babies classes.
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Children who grow up surrounded by more than one language, develop the ability to speak in multiple languages very naturally.
