Monday, December 16, 2013

They Did It!

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!

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

What special holiday traditions have you been starting with your little signer?