Please join me in congratulating the newest Signing Smart grads! Mr. A., Miss C., Miss L., Miss V., and Mr. L. have all officially completed their Signing Smart Beginner Play Class.
This group has come a long way in just a few weeks. A group who started only tentatively sitting and barely mobile is now standing and motoring around the room with ease. The elusive first sign is no longer just a goal, and the babies are understanding even more signs than they're signing. And, perhaps most importantly, the moms and dads of these kiddos have learned the 4 Keys to Signing Smart Success so they can keep right on signing and learning at home.
I will miss playing and singing and signing with you all each week! I wish you all the best - please share as your family reaches new milestones, even if they aren't signing related. As always, feel free to contact me with questions, too!
Wishing ALL my graduates a warm, safe, and healthy end to 2013 and a fabulous new year!
My goal is to inspire you today. Most of my posts are intended to inspire your journey to early communication and long-term learning using American Sign Language via the Signing Smart program. However, I also want to inspire you to be the best parent, grandparent, family member, friend, or caregiver of young children possible. Make today great!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Signing Santa
While this doesn't exactly apply to most Signing Smart families, I thought you might still find it interesting to know about some of the opportunities out there for families who sign as a means of communication due to a hearing or speech loss.
Did you know that Santa Claus sometimes talks with his hands?! Each year, I have heard more and more stories similar to the one below, and I love that it's a spreading trend!
If you're in the right place at the right time, you might notice Santa receiving the wish lists of children not through shy whispers from a child leaned in close but through excited, flying hands. Across the country, more and more signing Santas are appearing. The jolly elf, fluent in ASL, is delighting parents and children alike by allowing signing families to share their Christmas wishes with him directly.
Here are some local news stories that represent just a couple of he signing Santa experiences out there. I hope they warm your heart this cold winter day! I think the pictures and videos are the best part!
Canton, Ohio
Fairfax, VA
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Austin, TX
Did you know that Santa Claus sometimes talks with his hands?! Each year, I have heard more and more stories similar to the one below, and I love that it's a spreading trend!
If you're in the right place at the right time, you might notice Santa receiving the wish lists of children not through shy whispers from a child leaned in close but through excited, flying hands. Across the country, more and more signing Santas are appearing. The jolly elf, fluent in ASL, is delighting parents and children alike by allowing signing families to share their Christmas wishes with him directly.
Here are some local news stories that represent just a couple of he signing Santa experiences out there. I hope they warm your heart this cold winter day! I think the pictures and videos are the best part!
Canton, Ohio
Fairfax, VA
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Austin, TX
What special holiday traditions have you been starting with your little signer?
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Welcome to the Family!
Please join me in welcoming Miss M. and her family to Signing Smart!
This curious little girl had a blast playing and singing and signing with us, and even started using a few new signs during our class!
I'm excited to see where the Signing Smart journey takes this family - may it grant you many fun and exciting new memories!
This curious little girl had a blast playing and singing and signing with us, and even started using a few new signs during our class!
I'm excited to see where the Signing Smart journey takes this family - may it grant you many fun and exciting new memories!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
How Long Must I Wait?
As with anything, signing with your baby takes time. It takes time for you to learn the signs you want to incorporate into your life. It takes time for your baby understand when you are signing to him. It takes time for your baby to start signing back.
This is, of course, completely logical and should be expected if you stop to think about it. Development is change over time. No time, no change. It certainly doesn't make it any more fun to wait for that exciting first sign or other milestone to show up, though!
The younger your child is when you start signing with him/her, the longer it will take until he or she signs back. In my family, we started signing with each boy less than a week after they were born. We saw a first sign from each boy around four and half months - a wait of about 16 weeks. Families who start signing with a 6 month old might will typically see a first sign in about 10 weeks. Those who wait until baby is a year old might see a sign the same day, and usually within 2 weeks. No matter how long it is, though, that wait can be excruciating.
It's important to remind yourself of the great things you're doing for your whole family by allowing a venue for early communication and long term learning such as American Sign Language. "Keep your eye on the prize" as they say. Sometimes, it's still tempting to be impatient - it's definitely more fun and more exciting when baby understands you, and when he uses signs to let you know what he needs and what he's interested in. Their enthusiasm is incredibly contagious!
This is, of course, completely logical and should be expected if you stop to think about it. Development is change over time. No time, no change. It certainly doesn't make it any more fun to wait for that exciting first sign or other milestone to show up, though!
The younger your child is when you start signing with him/her, the longer it will take until he or she signs back. In my family, we started signing with each boy less than a week after they were born. We saw a first sign from each boy around four and half months - a wait of about 16 weeks. Families who start signing with a 6 month old might will typically see a first sign in about 10 weeks. Those who wait until baby is a year old might see a sign the same day, and usually within 2 weeks. No matter how long it is, though, that wait can be excruciating.
It's important to remind yourself of the great things you're doing for your whole family by allowing a venue for early communication and long term learning such as American Sign Language. "Keep your eye on the prize" as they say. Sometimes, it's still tempting to be impatient - it's definitely more fun and more exciting when baby understands you, and when he uses signs to let you know what he needs and what he's interested in. Their enthusiasm is incredibly contagious!
How did you help yourself remain focused and patient while waiting to see your baby's Signing Smart milestones emerge?
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Welcome New Families!
I would like to give a big warm welcome to the newest additions to the Signing Smart Family. 3 fantastic families have taken the leap to learn how to provide the little ones in their lives with the gift of early communication and long term learning.
On behalf of the entire Signing Smart family, welcome! Congratulations on choosing an exciting and beneficial approach to communication with your children. Remember: it doesn't matter if your signs look like perfect copies of the pictures in your dictionary. You are giving your children the gift of communication, and if communication is happening, you're doing it exactly right!
On behalf of the entire Signing Smart family, welcome! Congratulations on choosing an exciting and beneficial approach to communication with your children. Remember: it doesn't matter if your signs look like perfect copies of the pictures in your dictionary. You are giving your children the gift of communication, and if communication is happening, you're doing it exactly right!
What is the best advice or support you would lend to families new to signing with their infants and toddlers?
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Month 6
Continuing with some milestones that are related to talking and signing....these are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Motor
Language and Communication
Cognitive Development
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around six months old, here is some of what you can expect:
Motor
- Points or reaches for toys
- Sits briefly alone
- Rolls over
- Uses whole hand to pick up objects
Language and Communication
- Strings together varied sounds
- Experiments with pitch and volume of new sounds
- Responds to sounds by making his own sounds
Social Development
- Knows and recognizes familiar faces
- Likes to play with others, preferably Mom and Dad
- Enjoys looking at herself in a mirror
Cognitive Development
- Shows curiosity about things
Some activities you can do now:
- This is a great time to start Signing Smart with your baby. If you start now, you can expect to see him signing back in about 10-12 weeks!
- Play fun finger games like Itsy Bitsy Spider
- Sing silly songs you can repeat - and be ready to repeat them over and over and over!
What is your favorite song to sing with your little one right now?
Here are the websites that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
Sunday, October 20, 2013
What to Expect....Month 5
Continuing with some milestones that are related to talking and signing....these are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Cognitive Development
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around five months old, here is some of what you can expect:
Vision
- Watches mouth movements
- Interested in colors
- Gazes at specific objects
Hearing
- Soothed by music
Motor
- Can sit, propped with pillows
- May be able to stand while holding on for balance
- Has good aim while reaching with one hand
- Transfers toys from hand to hand or mouth
Language and Communication
- Babbles/practices making a variety of sounds including "raspberries" and making "bubbles"
- Mimics sounds and gestures
- Vocalizes different sounds for different needs
- Makes two-syllable sounds
- Baby is likely to start lauging this month
Social Development
- Resists toys being taken away
Cognitive Development
- Is alert for half of his wakeful time
- Can discriminate herself from others when looking in a mirror
Some activities you can do now:
- Your baby will likely put everything in her mouth, especially as teething kicks into high gear. Experiment with a variety of toys appropriate for chewing until you find something that seems to work will for your little one.
- Continue to allow for "tummy time." This will help to continue to develop the muscles needed for crawling.
- Continue to read to your baby throughout the day.
- Involve your baby in conversation. Ask him questions, and pause for an answer.
- Keep plenty of toys on hand that are the right size and shape for your little one to grasp on his own.
- Now that your baby can laugh, go all out getting her to laugh!
What is a sure fire way you have found to make your baby laugh?
Here are the websites that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.babble.com/baby/
http://www.babyzone.com/baby/
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.babble.com/baby/
http://www.babyzone.com/baby/
Monday, October 14, 2013
What to Expect....Month 4
Continuing with some milestones that are related to talking and signing....these are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Cognitive Development
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around four months old, here is some of what you can expect:
Vision
- Close vision is well established
- Depth perception is improving
- Accurately tracks moving objects
- Can look intently at an object
Hearing
- Recognizes voices
- Looks for sources of sounds he hears
Motor
- Can sit straight or nearly straight when propped up
- Can hold onto an object placed in his or her hand (can't pick up an object off the floor yet)
- Grasps objects with two hands
- Places objects in mouth
Language and Communication
- Shapes mouth to produce different sounds
- Uses motion to gain attention (waves arms, etc.)
- Becoming aware that labels exist for objects (Mommy, Daddy, cat, dog, etc.)
- Begins to babble
Social Development
- Laughs when tickled
- Makes eye contact
- Smiles at people spontaniously
Cognitive Development
- Beginning to show memory
Some activities you can do now:
- Place the baby in front of a mirror
- Provide bright-colored toys to hold
- Repeat sounds the infant makes, and encourage her to mimic sounds she hears
- Help the infant roll over
- Use an infant swing at the park if the baby has head control
- Play on the stomach (tummy time)
- Continue talking to your baby as you would anyone else, but also provide a break with quit time (no music, TV, etc.)
What fun new discoveries has your little boy or girl made this month?
Here are the websites that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
www.nlm.nih.
http://similac.com/baby-
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.whattoexpect.com/
Thursday, October 10, 2013
What to Expect....Month 3
Continuing with some milestones that are related to talking and signing....these are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around three months old, here is some of what you can expect:
Vision
- Prefers brightly colored toys
- Sharp contrasts are easiest to see
Hearing
- Turns head and may smile at parents voices
- Love listening to a variety of music
Motor
- Neck strength is improving
- Hands open and shut
- Hands can come together
- Baby will swipe at toys
- May hold a toy briefly
Language and Communication
- Smiles for interaction and to show pleasure
- Crying is no longer the primary means of communication
- Cooing
- Babling in vowel sounds ("ooo" "aaaah" etc.)
Social Development
- Baby is facinated with faces
Some activities you can do now:
- Respond to your baby's coos as if they are spoken words
- Have conversations with your baby (maybe narrate what you do throughout the day)
- Read to your baby
What new activities is your little one enjoying this month?
Here are the websties that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.whattoexpect.com/
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.whattoexpect.com/
Monday, October 7, 2013
What to Expect...Month 2
Continuing with some milestones that are related to talking and signing....these are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around two months old, here is some of what you can expect:
Vision
- Beginning to look at close objects
- Pays attention to faces
- Begins to follow things with eyes and recognize people at a distance
Hearing
- Head turns from side to side with sound at the level of the ear
- Responds to familiar voices
Motor
- May bat at a colorful object hanging in front of her
- May briefly hold a toy that you place in one of her hands
- When on stomach, able to lift head almost 45 degrees
- Makes smoother movements with arms and legs
Language and Communication
- Coos
- Cries mean different things
Social Development
- Smiles
- Responds to familiar voices
- Can briefly calm himself (may bring hands to mouth and suck on hand)
Some activities you can do now:
- Expose your baby to sounds outside those of the home
- Take your baby for rides in the car or walks in the neighborhood
- The room should be bright with pictures and mirrors
- Toys and objects should be bright colors
- Read to your baby
- Talk to your baby about objects and people in his or her environment
What new activities have you found this month?
Here are the websties that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
Roll Out the Red Carpet
Please join me in welcoming the newest Signing Smart students and their families.
Miss C., Miss V., and Miss L. are off and running with their play class fun. Welcome ladies, we can't wait to see what you've been wanting to tell us!
Miss C., Miss V., and Miss L. are off and running with their play class fun. Welcome ladies, we can't wait to see what you've been wanting to tell us!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
What to Expect...Month 1
Over the next several posts, I'd like to address some of the milestones that are related to talking and signing. These are just a few of the highlights - there are lots of things going on in that little body right now. Little ones will develop at different rates. If I mention he is "supposed" to be vocalizing pleasure and displeasure by 5 months and your little one isn't quite there yet, please don't panic. If you're greatly concerned that your child is behind, please speak with your child's healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
Also, keep in mind that, regardless when it happens, milestones will be reached in order. Your baby won't start speaking in full sentences before she says single words.
Ok - here we go!
For babies around one month old, here is some of what you can expect:
Vision
- Focuses 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.4 cm) away
- Vision is blurry
- Prefers black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
- Prefers the human face to all other patterns
Hearing
- Hearing is fully mature - go all in talking, singing, and cooing at baby.
- Recognizes some sounds
- May turn toward familiar sounds and voices
Gross Motor
- Keeps hands in tight fists - don't expect baby to sign back just yet
Language and Communication
- Demanding cries
- Grunting/throaty sounds
Social Development
- Watches faces intently
Some activities you can do now to boost your baby's language development:
- Sing - your favorite lullaby or the song on the radio, it doesn't matter
- Read - again, it doesn't matter what you're reading, just that you're doing it
- Talk to your baby like you would anyone else. - Maybe describe what you're doing, seeing, feeling, etc. Ask questions.
- If you start signing at this age, make sure you sign close enough to baby to be seen clearly.
- If you're too engrossed with learning who your new baby is to start signing, don't worry - you've still got plenty of time to do great things!
- Look at baby when you're talking or singing to him/her
What activities are favorites for you and your newborn?
Here are the websties that helped me compile this information. Check them out to find even more details about what to expect during the first month of your baby's life:
Monday, September 30, 2013
Falling out of Summer
With a beautiful day and some free time, we decided to make a visit to a local farm/winery/pumpkin patch over the weekend. There was lots of playing, and even a little learning to be done.
Here's our list of signs that were introduced/re-introduced: PUMPKIN, TRAIN, PIG, FAR-AWAY
The big kid has also loved re-living the fun by telling Nana, Grandpa, and whoever else will listen about his trip to "go to the farmer."
And a couple of pictures from our fun day as well!
Here's our list of signs that were introduced/re-introduced: PUMPKIN, TRAIN, PIG, FAR-AWAY
The big kid has also loved re-living the fun by telling Nana, Grandpa, and whoever else will listen about his trip to "go to the farmer."
And a couple of pictures from our fun day as well!
We've found that the more we can engage the big guy's large muscles the more cooperative he is in general.
Little Guy's Daddy and I decided we'd put him in the corn box to have a sensory experience. We thought it would last about 30 seconds until he tried to eat the dry corn and it became a choking hazard. We were happily surprised that he actually lasted several minutes before he toppled over and got some corn in his mouth.
PIG
PUMPKIN
What fun autumn activities have you participated in or have planned for this year?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Take A Load Off
Just before a play class session starts, I send a welcome e-mail to the families who will be participating. I always share the fact that we'll spend most of our time down on the floor, and that if thier little one is not yet sitting un-assisted they might wish to bring something along to help support him or her. Some families choose to take me up on this offer, and others don't, which is exactly what I had in mind. However, I never imagined how many different versions of support I would see from those who brought something along!
When I send this e-mail I always envision one of two things - a C-shaped nursing pillow or a molded rubber seat. I just the last session I saw 3 other types of molded seats, and some inventive uses of pillows as well as mom and dad's legs/knees. I never knew there were so many options out there!
When I send this e-mail I always envision one of two things - a C-shaped nursing pillow or a molded rubber seat. I just the last session I saw 3 other types of molded seats, and some inventive uses of pillows as well as mom and dad's legs/knees. I never knew there were so many options out there!
What's your favorite tool to provide support to your pre-sitter?
Sunday, September 15, 2013
More Grads to Congratulate!
Please join me in congratulating Jacob M. and Sophie M. - the two newest Signing Smart Beginner Play Class grads!
These two energetic kiddos are well on their way to reaching the 3 Signing Smart milestones. May their love of play, singing, and signing will bring them nothing but continued success!
These two energetic kiddos are well on their way to reaching the 3 Signing Smart milestones. May their love of play, singing, and signing will bring them nothing but continued success!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Congrats Grads!
I would like to share my congratulations to Miss C. and Mr. L. and thier families. Miss C. and Mr. L. just finished their Signing Smart Beginner Play Class.
In addition to all the fun playing and singing, they've both shown their first signs and and are working on adding to their vocabulary. Keep up the good work!
In addition to all the fun playing and singing, they've both shown their first signs and and are working on adding to their vocabulary. Keep up the good work!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A "Dino"-mite Day at the Zoo!
During a recent visit to the zoo, I finally got my big guy to cooperate and caught a few pics of him signing! He won't often sign just because I ask him to, but if it's his own idea, or if I ask him to show baby brother, he'll usually run with it for a while.
This particular day was all a result of asking big brother to show baby brother signs for some of the animals we were seeing. I also caught a few of Daddy using signs to teach Mr. I. some facts about dinosaurs inside a special summer exhibit.
This particular day was all a result of asking big brother to show baby brother signs for some of the animals we were seeing. I also caught a few of Daddy using signs to teach Mr. I. some facts about dinosaurs inside a special summer exhibit.
 |
| DONKEY |
 |
| Daddy telling Mr. I. "Some dinosaurs hatched from EGGS." |
 | ||
The BEARS were play-wrestling when we saw them.
What is your child's favorite animal to see at the zoo? |
Monday, September 2, 2013
*Milestone Alert*
Please join me in congratulating Miss C. on her first sign!
What new things has your little one one this week?
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Mad Scientists...Learning by Doing
Perhaps it's because I am a kinesthetic learner. Perhaps it's because I know infants and toddlers learn best by exploring the world around them - experiencing all the sights and sounds and textures they encounter. Perhaps it's mother's intuition. Whatever the reason, "learn by doing" is a definite theme in our home. Layering these Signing Smart Opportunities with the other 3 Keys to Signing Smart Success, have led to a bright, inquisitive toddler and a little brother ready to follow in his footsteps!
Here are some pictures from a recent visit to a hands-on science museum. Most of the science concepts were a bit over the head of a toddler and and infant, but that doesn't mean they didn't get a chance to learn!
This exhibit had a table that created music using different beats, pitch, and volume depending on how and where blocks were placed. For smaller hands, we also talked about shapes and colors while they experimented with what the blocks would do.
The concept here was to build a car that would make it to the bottom of a race track the fastest. We focused more on just getting a car to GO - 4 wheels that were the same size, a front and a back, etc. Plus, another great place to talk about colors and matching.
Here are some pictures from a recent visit to a hands-on science museum. Most of the science concepts were a bit over the head of a toddler and and infant, but that doesn't mean they didn't get a chance to learn!
Pretend play in the KidsPlace.
Digging - a chance to talk about texture, color, "bury" and "uncover" in addition to dinosaur bones.
What is your favorite way of adapting activities that are a bit too complex for your little one?
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Learning Through Experience
You thought I dropped off the face of the earth, didn't you?
We've been so busy learning through experience, I haven't had a chance to post in a couple of weeks. I hope the pictures (yes, finally!) will help make up for my absence, though!
A few weeks ago, we took a family vacation to Nana and Grandpa's house. We had a chance to do lots of hands on learning while we were there. (There were lots of Signing Smart strategies used too, but none of those got caught on camera...go figure!)
We've been so busy learning through experience, I haven't had a chance to post in a couple of weeks. I hope the pictures (yes, finally!) will help make up for my absence, though!
A few weeks ago, we took a family vacation to Nana and Grandpa's house. We had a chance to do lots of hands on learning while we were there. (There were lots of Signing Smart strategies used too, but none of those got caught on camera...go figure!)
HORSE
We could talk about horses and read stories about them all day long, but what better way to learn what a horse is than to meet one? My big boy rode Cinder for close to an hour. Little Guy got to meet and pet Cinder, no ride for him this time. (Maybe after he learns to sit up on his own.)
WATER
We had a beautiful week, so we got to experience lots of water activities.
DINOSAUR
The science museum had a dino exhibit. They were a bit intimidating! We talked a lot about how these dinosaurs had feet that couldn't move from behind their fence, and that their squeals and growls were just their way of talking to each other.
More next time!
What were your favorite hands-on learning experiences this summer?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Mine...No, Mine!
Something great about Signing Smart is that we talk a bit about typical child development, not just about signs. One topic that typically comes up is sharing. I think we all want our children to be polite and have sweet personalities; sharing is just one way we want them to show that to the world. Most, if not all, children have a pretty difficult time sharing at some point, though. Why is it that our pleas of "please share" seem to go unheard?
We've all seen it......a child who's 2, 3, maybe even older,tugging on one side o f a favorite toy. Another child, perhaps older, perhaps not, tugging just has fervently on the opposite end - each toy trying to win the chance to play with it. Sometimes it gets more heated and pushing, biting or other unwanted behaviors come into play. Perhaps "no, that's mine" is as common a phrase in your home as it is in mine right now. Maybe, just maybe, you're nearing the point where you want to scream something you'd rather not. Perchance you've resorted to threats like "if you can't share your toys, I'm taking them all away!"
The problem is, sharing is much more complex than it appears on the surface. The concept isn't really solidified until a child is 3 or 4 years old (even older for some). A younger child doesn't yet understand that, when they give that toy to someone else, they will get it back. They're belief is that by handing it to someone else, it's gone -forever. It takes some time for social and emotional development and also experience with receiving the toy back to strengthen the concept.
To really understand the idea of sharing, requires what is called "Theory of Mind." A child must be able to understand a situation from the other person's perspective - and therefore that someone else's thoughts are different than their own. He or she must have concern for that other person. He or she must also be able to delay gratification. That's quite a task for a little body!
Not to mention, there are lots of other things happening simultaneously: new found independence, testing boundaries, etc.
There are things you can do, starting in infancy, to help build the concept, though. The most basic level of understanding starts when your child gives you something and you return it. That simple act creates the foundation for sharing! Each time you are a good model of sharing, you are also helping your child learn to share. As the concept is developing in those growing minds, it also helps to talk about things concretely, in terms they can understand. We learn the sign for TAKE-TURNS in Signing Smart play class. In the beginning, you may need to do more direction - "It's Jimmy's turn to play with the blue CAR right now. In 2 minutes it will be your turn. You can play with the green truck for now." (Fast forward 2 minutes) "OK, Jimmy, you had a great turn, now it's Billy's turn to play with the blue CAR. Would you like to have a turn with the green truck?" As they grow, develop, and have several chances to experience the process, you can start to be less hands on. (It also helps to have something for everyone to do, even if it's not the first choice.)
Catch your kiddo being good! When you see Billy and Jimmy sharing or taking turns without being prompted, make a big deal about it! Just like we make a big deal about the first sign, new signs, and lots more in between, make a big deal with you catch your child being good. They want to see that reaction again, so they'll work hard to make it happen.
All this to say - it's probably not practical for you to have 2 or 3 (or more!) of everything so that everyone can have their first choice toy at all times. But, from early on, there are things you can do to support and develop the skills to keep everybody engaged and happy.
Here are the websites that helped me with my research:
http://www.essortment.com/child-development-milestones-sharing-learning-growing-50765.html
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/nibbles/getalong-sharing.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind
http://blog.kidobi.com/child-development/emotional-development-and-learning-to-share/
We've all seen it......a child who's 2, 3, maybe even older,tugging on one side o f a favorite toy. Another child, perhaps older, perhaps not, tugging just has fervently on the opposite end - each toy trying to win the chance to play with it. Sometimes it gets more heated and pushing, biting or other unwanted behaviors come into play. Perhaps "no, that's mine" is as common a phrase in your home as it is in mine right now. Maybe, just maybe, you're nearing the point where you want to scream something you'd rather not. Perchance you've resorted to threats like "if you can't share your toys, I'm taking them all away!"
The problem is, sharing is much more complex than it appears on the surface. The concept isn't really solidified until a child is 3 or 4 years old (even older for some). A younger child doesn't yet understand that, when they give that toy to someone else, they will get it back. They're belief is that by handing it to someone else, it's gone -forever. It takes some time for social and emotional development and also experience with receiving the toy back to strengthen the concept.
To really understand the idea of sharing, requires what is called "Theory of Mind." A child must be able to understand a situation from the other person's perspective - and therefore that someone else's thoughts are different than their own. He or she must have concern for that other person. He or she must also be able to delay gratification. That's quite a task for a little body!
Not to mention, there are lots of other things happening simultaneously: new found independence, testing boundaries, etc.
There are things you can do, starting in infancy, to help build the concept, though. The most basic level of understanding starts when your child gives you something and you return it. That simple act creates the foundation for sharing! Each time you are a good model of sharing, you are also helping your child learn to share. As the concept is developing in those growing minds, it also helps to talk about things concretely, in terms they can understand. We learn the sign for TAKE-TURNS in Signing Smart play class. In the beginning, you may need to do more direction - "It's Jimmy's turn to play with the blue CAR right now. In 2 minutes it will be your turn. You can play with the green truck for now." (Fast forward 2 minutes) "OK, Jimmy, you had a great turn, now it's Billy's turn to play with the blue CAR. Would you like to have a turn with the green truck?" As they grow, develop, and have several chances to experience the process, you can start to be less hands on. (It also helps to have something for everyone to do, even if it's not the first choice.)
Catch your kiddo being good! When you see Billy and Jimmy sharing or taking turns without being prompted, make a big deal about it! Just like we make a big deal about the first sign, new signs, and lots more in between, make a big deal with you catch your child being good. They want to see that reaction again, so they'll work hard to make it happen.
All this to say - it's probably not practical for you to have 2 or 3 (or more!) of everything so that everyone can have their first choice toy at all times. But, from early on, there are things you can do to support and develop the skills to keep everybody engaged and happy.
What are your favorite ways to avoid fights and tears over sharing and taking turns?
Here are the websites that helped me with my research:
http://www.essortment.com/child-development-milestones-sharing-learning-growing-50765.html
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/nibbles/getalong-sharing.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind
http://blog.kidobi.com/child-development/emotional-development-and-learning-to-share/
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Pictures Please!
ASL is a visual language, so it would make perfect sense to have lots of pictures to help illustrate my posts. My bigger signer is definitely camera shy, though. As in, as soon as he knows a camera present, he will stop doing whatever cute thing he's doing. If I ask him to do something just so I can get a picture of it, forget it! Frustrating? Sometimes, but he's been that way almost since day one.
Have pictures of your Signing Smart kiddo signing that you took (or have the rights to)? I'd love it if you'd share with me (and the world). Please e-mail me so we can take care of the logistics :)
Have pictures of your Signing Smart kiddo signing that you took (or have the rights to)? I'd love it if you'd share with me (and the world). Please e-mail me so we can take care of the logistics :)
How do you make sure you're able to capture those photogenic moments before your little one decides not to cooperate?
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
*Milestone Alert*
I'm celebrating with my own newest signer today! Mr. L. showed us his first sign yesterday, MORE! We were bouncing on the bed and he was really into it!
Once again, someone forgot to tell my kid to read the text book. I'm always teaching that the "useful" signs will come after the "interesting" ones. Mr. I.'s first sign was ALL-DONE, and Mr. L. now with MORE. Oh well, so much for what's "supposed" to happen.
Let me celebrate your little one's milestones with you! Please share your first signs, language explosions, birthdays, first steps, etc. so the rest of the extended Signing Smart family can honor your little ones' accomplishments too!
Once again, someone forgot to tell my kid to read the text book. I'm always teaching that the "useful" signs will come after the "interesting" ones. Mr. I.'s first sign was ALL-DONE, and Mr. L. now with MORE. Oh well, so much for what's "supposed" to happen.
Let me celebrate your little one's milestones with you! Please share your first signs, language explosions, birthdays, first steps, etc. so the rest of the extended Signing Smart family can honor your little ones' accomplishments too!
What was your little one's first sign?
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Look What I Can Do!
Little ones go though so many developmental stages during their first years of life, it can seem like they're learning, and doing new things almost every day sometimes.
Just in the first year of life, a typically developing baby will learn to: (http://www.nncc.org/Child.Dev/mile1.html)
Babies will also likely get at least one tooth, experience a few illnesses, and take in an almost innumerable number of "first" experiences. Even more, Signing Smart families will notice even more advancements in their child's language and social skills development during this time.
Each time one of these new developments appear, you might notice some of your little one's signs and words disappear for a while. Don't fret too much. While it can be frustrating to lose your communication link for a while, it will come back after the development emerges.
Just in the first year of life, a typically developing baby will learn to: (http://www.nncc.org/Child.Dev/mile1.html)
- drink from a cup with help
- feed him/herself finger food like raisins or bread crumbs
- grasp small objects by using her thumb and index or forefinger
- use his/her first finger to poke or point
- put small blocks in and take them out of a container
- knock two blocks together
- sit well without support
- crawl on hands and knees
- pull to standing or take steps holding onto furniture
- stand alone momentarily
- walk with one hand held
- cooperate with dressing by offering a foot or an arm
- copy sounds and actions
- respond to music with body motion
- try to accomplish simple goals (seeing and then crawling to a toy)
- look for an object she watched fall out of sight (such as a spoon that falls under the table)
- babble, but it sometimes "sounds like" talking
- say his first word
- recognize family members' names
- try to "talk" with you
- respond to another's distress by showing distress or crying
- show affection to familiar adults
- show mild to severe anxiety at separation from parent
- show apprehension about strangers
- raise her arms when she wants to be picked up
- understand simple commands
Each time one of these new developments appear, you might notice some of your little one's signs and words disappear for a while. Don't fret too much. While it can be frustrating to lose your communication link for a while, it will come back after the development emerges.
- What new developments has your little one started showing off lately?
- Have you noticed your little one lose some of his or her language skills while going through a new development? Have you notice he or she also loses some of the other skills he or she had for a short while?
- What are you favorite ways to help yourself, your little one, and those around you handle the tough parts of reaching new developmental milestones?
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Grumpy Monkey!
Signing with your little one will help to reduce tantrums and frustration - but, unfortunately, it won't wipe them out completely. There will still be those days that have earned both my boys the nick name grumpy monkey.
Sometimes, reminding your signer to use the signs he or she knows is a big help - a tap on the hand or even verbal request can be all it takes. Maybe seeing you sign will do the trick. Once your grumpy monkey is able to communicate what he or she is thinking, often the tantrum will naturally subside.
Easy - we've achieved toddler world peace!
OK, not quite. There will still be times when your little one is overtired, overstimulated, or may not even know what the problem is. In these situations, all the communication strategies in the world might not be enough. Sometimes, just like us adults, being able to label the problem doesn't solve it. These are the times we rely on our creativity to figure out/solve the problem at hand or distract from it.
Sometimes, reminding your signer to use the signs he or she knows is a big help - a tap on the hand or even verbal request can be all it takes. Maybe seeing you sign will do the trick. Once your grumpy monkey is able to communicate what he or she is thinking, often the tantrum will naturally subside.
Easy - we've achieved toddler world peace!
OK, not quite. There will still be times when your little one is overtired, overstimulated, or may not even know what the problem is. In these situations, all the communication strategies in the world might not be enough. Sometimes, just like us adults, being able to label the problem doesn't solve it. These are the times we rely on our creativity to figure out/solve the problem at hand or distract from it.
What are your favorite go-to strategies when signs aren't enough to dispose of the grumpy monkey?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Where Does the Time Go?
This week, it feels like I blinked and 2 days had passed. Where did the time go??
That's one of the great things about Signing Smart - it's meant to fit into the life you're already living. Unlike some of the other programs out there, I will never tell my students they have to sign a particular word every time they say it. Who needs that pressure? Plus, it's just not necessary! Making small adjustments to the way you're already playing - which is the way your baby is built to learn - is all it takes.
Some of our favorite activities to layer with signs:
That's one of the great things about Signing Smart - it's meant to fit into the life you're already living. Unlike some of the other programs out there, I will never tell my students they have to sign a particular word every time they say it. Who needs that pressure? Plus, it's just not necessary! Making small adjustments to the way you're already playing - which is the way your baby is built to learn - is all it takes.
Some of our favorite activities to layer with signs:
- Reading books
- Singing songs
- Going to the zoo
- Playing with toys
- BUBBLES!
What are you family's favorite activities to add signs to?
Thursday, June 13, 2013
How Do I Learn All Those Signs??
To be honest, this is a topic that I struggle to give advice on. I came to the program with a sizable ASL vocabulary already in place. I wasn't trying to learn the signs to stay ahead of my little one's interests and developments. Signing Smart has some great tools for learning sign vocabulary, but HOW do you use them? Here's a few things I typically suggest, but I'm really interested to know your strategies too!
The diaper bag dictionary flash cardss are one fun tool. These are great because they're durable and on a ring so they're easy to carry around. It's also easy to break the deck apart and leave a few on the kitchen window sill, a few in the car, even a few actually in the diaper bag. That way, whenever you have a few extra seconds you can quiz yourself or learn something new.
The ASL Glossary DVD is also really nice because it includes a description and mnemonic for each sign instead of just a picture/video of what it looks like. It's easy to look up one specific sign you're looking to add to your vocabulary or browse through several as a refresher.
Practice with yourself in the mirror or at a red light. It sounds silly, but it really helps you to internalize how each sign feels.
Practice with your partner. Try to incorporate a new sign into conversation each week. BONUS: You can start talking to each other across the room or without someone else hearing!
The diaper bag dictionary flash cardss are one fun tool. These are great because they're durable and on a ring so they're easy to carry around. It's also easy to break the deck apart and leave a few on the kitchen window sill, a few in the car, even a few actually in the diaper bag. That way, whenever you have a few extra seconds you can quiz yourself or learn something new.
The ASL Glossary DVD is also really nice because it includes a description and mnemonic for each sign instead of just a picture/video of what it looks like. It's easy to look up one specific sign you're looking to add to your vocabulary or browse through several as a refresher.
Practice with yourself in the mirror or at a red light. It sounds silly, but it really helps you to internalize how each sign feels.
Practice with your partner. Try to incorporate a new sign into conversation each week. BONUS: You can start talking to each other across the room or without someone else hearing!
What strategies have you tried? What's been your favorite?
Monday, June 10, 2013
Won't That Delay Their Speech?
This is, by far, the most common question I hear about teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to infants and toddlers. It's something I imagine you have heard as well when you share with friends, family, doctors, even strangers that you sign with your child. Or, perhaps you have heard other skeptical remarks about your choice to incorporate ASL into your family's communication.
While it can often be easiest to just smile politely and ignore these comments, there are times when you need to give more of a response. The simple answer is No, signing with infants and toddlers will absolutely NOT delay their speech or prevent them from speaking all together.
I once saw a very interesting comparison of signing and crawling by Monica Beyer. Just like crawling precedes walking and does not prevent baby from walking when he/she is developmentally strong enough, the same is true of signing and spoken language.
What's more, research has actually shown the opposite to be true. Infants and toddlers who sign have larger vocabularies and speak earlier than their non-signing counterparts. In fact, the founders of Signing Smart, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindart, studied over 200 families from across the U. S. and found some very encouraging results. The children studied were between 6 months and 19 months old. Those where were signers had been signing for at least 8 weeks. (http://signingsmart.com/research.html)
My own experience with my first son who is nearly two and a half was similar. At less than 8 months old, he was telling us when he wanted MORE, when he was ALL-DONE, and was even starting to label MOMMY and DADDY. At 10 months, he was telling us when he was tired and wanted to go to BED, asked to see his favorite singing LION, and pointed out every FAN he came across. At just over 1 year, he used over 25 signs and half a dozen spoken words. Now, at nearly two and a half, he consistently uses 4 and 5 word sentences to express himself, and I've stopped trying to number every word in his vocabulary because it just grows too darn quickly!
What are the best strategies you've found for explaining your choice to sign with your little one and deal with skeptics and naysayers?
While it can often be easiest to just smile politely and ignore these comments, there are times when you need to give more of a response. The simple answer is No, signing with infants and toddlers will absolutely NOT delay their speech or prevent them from speaking all together.
I once saw a very interesting comparison of signing and crawling by Monica Beyer. Just like crawling precedes walking and does not prevent baby from walking when he/she is developmentally strong enough, the same is true of signing and spoken language.
What's more, research has actually shown the opposite to be true. Infants and toddlers who sign have larger vocabularies and speak earlier than their non-signing counterparts. In fact, the founders of Signing Smart, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindart, studied over 200 families from across the U. S. and found some very encouraging results. The children studied were between 6 months and 19 months old. Those where were signers had been signing for at least 8 weeks. (http://signingsmart.com/research.html)
My own experience with my first son who is nearly two and a half was similar. At less than 8 months old, he was telling us when he wanted MORE, when he was ALL-DONE, and was even starting to label MOMMY and DADDY. At 10 months, he was telling us when he was tired and wanted to go to BED, asked to see his favorite singing LION, and pointed out every FAN he came across. At just over 1 year, he used over 25 signs and half a dozen spoken words. Now, at nearly two and a half, he consistently uses 4 and 5 word sentences to express himself, and I've stopped trying to number every word in his vocabulary because it just grows too darn quickly!
What are the best strategies you've found for explaining your choice to sign with your little one and deal with skeptics and naysayers?
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Why I Think Signing Smart Should Have a Place in Your Family
There are a litany of reasons I would encourage any family to sign with their children. especially with the Signing Smart program. Families who supplement their spoken language interactions with their children with American Sign Language (ASL) signs meaningful to them are enhancing both early communication and long term learning. Below is a list of my favorite reasons for choosing to sign with little ones using the Signing Smart program.
(Want to start signing with your own child? Check out www.signingsmart.com for a workshop or play class near you! Are you in the Northeast Ohio area? Please e-mail me at stephaniebowlin@signingsmart.com!)
(Want to start signing with your own child? Check out www.signingsmart.com for a workshop or play class near you! Are you in the Northeast Ohio area? Please e-mail me at stephaniebowlin@signingsmart.com!)
- Reduced frustration and tantrums
- Children as young as 7 months (even younger on occasion) can express their wants and needs
- Toddlers can clarify their speech
- Did you know that many tantrums stem from frustration over not being understood?
- 100% American Sign Language
- Many infant and toddler sign language programs actually use made up gestures instead of REAL Sign Language
- If you're going to put out the effort to learn a language, learn one that others can understand as well
- Language facilitates language - the brain favors orgainzed language units
- Consistency
- No need to try to remember all the invented gestures you developed
- Is your gesture for "CAR" different than another caregiver in your child's life?
- Limitless vocabulary
- Want to use a sign that isn't part of the program? All you have to do is look in an ASL dictionary
- Expand your learning to communicate with other ASL users
- Signing Smart gives you the perfect base to go on and learn a whole new language
- Create connections in the brain now to facilitate bilingualism later
- Communicate with deaf children and adults
- Better understand your child's linguistic and cognitive milestones
- What counts as a "word"? How many words does he/she have?
- When can I expect my child to sign back and how many signs can I expect when?
- When will my child start speaking?
- Signing Smart was developed by two mothers who happen to be developmental psychologists, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindert
- Enhanced feeling of empowerment for your child
- Children can initiate conversation
- Children can share what they wonder about, remember, and find interesting
- Children can let you know when they're hurt or sick or what they dislike
- Research-proven strategies that make signing fun, easy, and successful
- Anyone can learn to sign with their child
- Signing Smart gives you the tools and strategies to make it happen
- Any child can learn to sign
- Many signs, especially early ones, use natural movements and hand shapes for baby
- Open a window into your child's mind
- Get to know their likes and dislikes
- Even though the muscles needed for speech aren't developed until well after 1 year, babies are ready to communicate long before that
- Advanced linguistic and cognitive abilities
- Learning is triggered via multiple senses
- Research has shown children who sign have stronger linguistic abilities and higher IQs through the elementary years
What are your favorite reasons for signing with your little one? (I do moderate comments to weed out spammers. Thanks for your patience!)
- Children as young as 7 months (even younger on occasion) can express their wants and needs
- Toddlers can clarify their speech
- Did you know that many tantrums stem from frustration over not being understood?
- Many infant and toddler sign language programs actually use made up gestures instead of REAL Sign Language
- If you're going to put out the effort to learn a language, learn one that others can understand as well
- Language facilitates language - the brain favors orgainzed language units
- Consistency
- No need to try to remember all the invented gestures you developed
- Is your gesture for "CAR" different than another caregiver in your child's life?
- Limitless vocabulary
- Want to use a sign that isn't part of the program? All you have to do is look in an ASL dictionary
- Expand your learning to communicate with other ASL users
- Signing Smart gives you the perfect base to go on and learn a whole new language
- Create connections in the brain now to facilitate bilingualism later
- Communicate with deaf children and adults
- What counts as a "word"? How many words does he/she have?
- When can I expect my child to sign back and how many signs can I expect when?
- When will my child start speaking?
- Signing Smart was developed by two mothers who happen to be developmental psychologists, Dr. Michelle Anthony and Dr. Reyna Lindert
- Children can initiate conversation
- Children can share what they wonder about, remember, and find interesting
- Children can let you know when they're hurt or sick or what they dislike
- Anyone can learn to sign with their child
- Signing Smart gives you the tools and strategies to make it happen
- Any child can learn to sign
- Many signs, especially early ones, use natural movements and hand shapes for baby
- Get to know their likes and dislikes
- Even though the muscles needed for speech aren't developed until well after 1 year, babies are ready to communicate long before that
- Learning is triggered via multiple senses
- Research has shown children who sign have stronger linguistic abilities and higher IQs through the elementary years
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Why Does Signing Smart Get a Place in my Family?
Long before my first son was born, I knew I would sign with my children. As a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, it seemed a no-brainer. We would be spending time with Deaf people, and they would need to be able to communicate.
When I was pregnant, and as a brand-new mommy, though, putting my wishes into practice seemed harder than they should be. I knew the language, but how would I teach this precious new being a 2nd language before he learned his first?!
I started doing a little research. I knew that teaching hearing babies to sign was becoming more and more popular, and I hoped that I would find a class in my area. At first, I was incredibly discouraged. My biggest requirement in a program was that it used 100% real ASL, and many programs didn't. They used silly made up gestures that I couldn't imagine being able to distinguish in every-day life - "sniffing" to mean flower - and there weren't any classes offered near me anyway. After a few weeks of digging I did come up with a short list of programs that existed SOMEWHERE using real ASL. Then, after talking with a few other new moms I knew, I decided I would just have to take the jump and make things happen myself. I joined Signing Smart as a licensed instructor and started planning for my first class.
As I spend more and more time teaching infants and toddlers to sign, and telling people about Signing Smart, I fall in love with the program over and over again. Yes, it met that original requirement, it uses 100% real ASL signs, but it's so much more. The developers of the program, Drs. Michelle Anthony and Reyna Lindert, used their developmental psychology backgrounds to create a program that is firmly grounded in what infants and toddlers are doing and how they best learn- play. It gave me a few basic strategies to adjust what I was already doing as a mom. And, most importantly, it worked! At less than 8 months old, my son was telling us when he wanted MORE, when he was ALL-DONE, and was even starting to label MOMMY and DADDY. At 10 months, he was telling us when he was tired and wanted to go to BED, asked to see his favorite singing LION, and pointed out every FAN he came across. At just over 1 year, he used over 25 signs and half a dozen spoken words. Now, at nearly two and a half, he consistently uses 4 and 5 word sentences to express himself! My husband and I are also loving watch our big boy teach his little brother signs.
I'm so proud that my boys are learning to communicate with those around them. I enjoy having an even deeper connection with them than I would if we didn't use the Signing Smart program. I'm honored when I get to share these great things with other families, and I adore watching them grow and change and learn together while we play and sing and have a good time!
When I was pregnant, and as a brand-new mommy, though, putting my wishes into practice seemed harder than they should be. I knew the language, but how would I teach this precious new being a 2nd language before he learned his first?!
I started doing a little research. I knew that teaching hearing babies to sign was becoming more and more popular, and I hoped that I would find a class in my area. At first, I was incredibly discouraged. My biggest requirement in a program was that it used 100% real ASL, and many programs didn't. They used silly made up gestures that I couldn't imagine being able to distinguish in every-day life - "sniffing" to mean flower - and there weren't any classes offered near me anyway. After a few weeks of digging I did come up with a short list of programs that existed SOMEWHERE using real ASL. Then, after talking with a few other new moms I knew, I decided I would just have to take the jump and make things happen myself. I joined Signing Smart as a licensed instructor and started planning for my first class.
As I spend more and more time teaching infants and toddlers to sign, and telling people about Signing Smart, I fall in love with the program over and over again. Yes, it met that original requirement, it uses 100% real ASL signs, but it's so much more. The developers of the program, Drs. Michelle Anthony and Reyna Lindert, used their developmental psychology backgrounds to create a program that is firmly grounded in what infants and toddlers are doing and how they best learn- play. It gave me a few basic strategies to adjust what I was already doing as a mom. And, most importantly, it worked! At less than 8 months old, my son was telling us when he wanted MORE, when he was ALL-DONE, and was even starting to label MOMMY and DADDY. At 10 months, he was telling us when he was tired and wanted to go to BED, asked to see his favorite singing LION, and pointed out every FAN he came across. At just over 1 year, he used over 25 signs and half a dozen spoken words. Now, at nearly two and a half, he consistently uses 4 and 5 word sentences to express himself! My husband and I are also loving watch our big boy teach his little brother signs.
I'm so proud that my boys are learning to communicate with those around them. I enjoy having an even deeper connection with them than I would if we didn't use the Signing Smart program. I'm honored when I get to share these great things with other families, and I adore watching them grow and change and learn together while we play and sing and have a good time!
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