Friday, April 24, 2015

My Child Has An Autism Spectrum Diagnosis - Can Signing Smart Help?

In a word, YES!

Over the past year or so, many have asked about using the Signing Smart program with children on the autism spectrum.  My answer has always been that I didn't have the research to back me up, but what I knew about each of those subjects would lead me to believe that using American Sign Language with children on the autism spectrum who are struggling with lack of language would be a great benefit.  Recently, I have had the opportunity to do a bit of research on this topic, and I'm happy to say that, not only were our gut reactions correct, I now have some research to support that!

In may ways, though, the findings I will share with you apply not only to children on the autism spectrum.  Children with a delay in language for any reason can absolutely benefit from using American Sign Language and the tools and strategies offered by Signing Smart - even after the age of 2. 

Many children who fall into this group may be labeled "non-verbal," however, they are far from silent!  While unable to communicate successfully, a child may still be able to produce consonant and vowel sounds or even syllables consisting of multiple letter sounds. (Kauffman, N., Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech)  Using American Sign Language via Signing Smart's techniques as a means of early communication and language exposure while simultaneously working on other speech development activities could lead to astounding results!

Just like with hearing infants and toddlers, research has found that American Sign Language can actually speed the acquisition of spoken language. Also, just like hearing infants and toddlers, the successful communication afforded by ASL can help to reduce frustration and can "serve the purpose of functionally replacing other disruptive behaviors such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and tantrumming" (Helwig, C. Autism and ASL) 

Other researchers have found that using American Sign Language  also provides additional benefits to children on the autism spectrum. One such area might be improved attentiveness to social gestures both those being used by the child as well as interpreting those seen from others. (Edleson, S., Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication) Other benefits relate to the manual nature of ASL and the idea that parents/caregivers/teachers can physically help the child form a sign as part of the learning process, unlike spoken language.  Because of this, children with a wide variety of functional abilities can successfully use sign language as part of their communication.

Whether your goals are focused on developing spoken language or an alternative means of communication, American Sign Language and the Signing Smart tools and strategies can help you get there!

Ready to get started?  Contact me to arrange your private, small or large group class! SigningWithMissSteph@Gmail.com




Edelson, S. (n.d.). Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication. from http://www.autism.org/sign.html

Helwig, C. (2008) Autism and ASL from http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/autism.htm

Kauffman, N. (n.d.) Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech  from http://www.apraxia-kids.org/library/shaping-verbal-language-for-children-on-the-spectrum-of-autism-who-also-exhibit-apraxia-of-speech/

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Week of the Young Child - Concluding with a Children's Fair

This week celebrating our youngest members of society has reached its end. Groups in communities across the country took part in a variety of  special events to celebrate. How did you celebrate this year?

Hudson Preschool Parents  had a packed week of trips and special activities for member families. They will wrap up the week with their annual Children's Festival today from 10-1 at East Woods Elementary School, 120 North Hayden Parkway which is open to members and non-members alike.   If you attend, make sure to stop by and say "HI"! I'll be there with all of the Signing Smart materials available for purchase, awesome discounts on spring classes, and BUBBLES!

What better way to celebrate this theme than to incorporate early communication and long term learning into your family with Signing Smart? Classes are forming now, including a FREE demo class on April 29. Not in the Northeast Ohio Area, don't see something that fits your schedule, want a more personalized experience? Please e-mail me atmailto:SigningwithMissSteph@Gmail.com. I'd be happy to help you find a Signing Smart class in your area, or work with you to meet your needs!

Friday, April 17, 2015

Week of the Young Child™ 2015 - Family Friday

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) concludes it's celebration of the Week of the Young Child™ today with Family Friday: sharing family stories.

"Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners: families! NAEYC applauds you as your child's’ first and most important teachers. Share pictures and stories about your family on NAEYC's Facebook page or post to Twitter using the hashtag #woycfamfriday as we celebrate the unique role families play in their children's learning and development."

At Signing with Miss Steph, family is what it's all about!  From evening and weekend classes to allow working parents the chance to attend, to extended family focused workshops, to individualized vocabulary lists, we want to be sure each family has exactly what they need to succeed!  In addition, all students are given the chance to provide support to each other, share successes, ask questions, and seek connections with other signing families as part of the on-going supports offered to all members of the Signing with Miss Steph family!

Want to become part of the Signing with Miss Steph family?  Spring classes are forming now.  Check out SigningWithMissSteph.com for more details!


Thursday, April 16, 2015

Week of the Young Child™ 2015 - Artsy Thrusday

Today is Artsy Thursday: think, problem solve, create!

The National Associate for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) continues their celebration of the Week of the Young Child by reminding us "children develop creativity, social skills and fine muscles with open-ended art projects where they can make choices, use their imaginations and create with their hands. On Artsy Thursday celebrate the joy and learning children experience when engaged in creative art making. Use any materials - from crayons to paint, clay to crafts! Create and share a photos of your child' creation on NAEYC's Facebook page or post to Twitter using the #woycartsy hashtag."

While we don't make artistic masterpieces to be brought home in any of the Signing Smart classes, creativity is never in short supply! At any given time, you might find a child using a rubber duck as a chewer, helping bears go through their bedtime routine, or dancing his heart out.  Even our youngest students have a chance to participate in songs, dances, and activities in their own ingenious ways!

How will you involve art on this Artsy Thursday?

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Week of the Young Child™ 2015 - Work Together Wednesday

Week of the Young Child™ continues today with Work Together Wednesday: Work together, build together, learn together.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)  describes this day by sharing that "when children build together they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills. This Week of the Young Child, work together and build something today! Kids can use any building material - from a fort of branches on the school playground, a block city in the classroom, a hideaway made from couch pillows at home, to a Lego creation. Build and share pictures of children’s creations on NAEYC's Facebook page or post to Twitter using the #woycworktogether hashtag."

I am celebrating Work Together Wednesday the Signing With Miss Steph way by partnering with two local groups.  This morning, I am facilitating a Play Class preview for a local MOMS group.  This evening I will be presenting a demo class to the families of Kids Country Stow.  I couldn't be more thrilled to be working alongside these groups of families to help them start off on their journey toward early communication and long-term learning!

 

Are you a member of a group that would like to work together to offer a demo, workshop, or play class series?  I'd love to partner with you too!  E-mail me for more details or to arrange a date!


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Week of the Young Child™ 2015 - Taco Tuesday

The National Association for the Education of Young Children continues it's celebration of The Week of the Young Child™ 2015 today with Taco Tuesday: Healthy eating and fitness at home and school.

NAEYC is celebrating today by acknowledging  that "this fun, food-themed day is more than just cheese and salsa. With the rise in childhood obesity, teachers and families can encourage healthy nutrition and fitness habits at home and in the classroom. Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more. On Taco Tuesday create your own healthy tacos and then share the recipes and photos of your creations on NAEYC's Facebook page or post to Twitter using the hashtag #woyctacotues"

In the Signing Smart Beginner Play Class, we learn some great signs to be used today: COOK, CHEESE, VEGETABLE, and EAT are all important when making tacos!

What's your favorite topping for a taco?

Monday, April 13, 2015

Week of the Young Child™ 2015 - Music Monday

The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is intended to "focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs."

This year, NAEYC has assigned a special theme for each day of the week.  Today is Music Monday: Sing, Dance, Celebrate, and learn! "Through music, children develop math, language, and literacy skills - and of course, have fun while being active! In their popular song, Thingamajig, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band use some very unusual words! For Music Monday we invite you to sing and dance along to this hit. Have fun making up your own verses and dance moves. Record your own unique version of the song and share it on NAEYC's Facebook page or post to Twitter using the hashtag #woycmusic. "



In the Signing Smart Beginner Play class, one of our favorite ways to enjoy music is to sing and sign well known children's songs like The Bear Went Over the Mountain, Three Green and Speckled Frogs, and Three Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

What ways will music be a part of your day on this Music Monday?

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Sing a Song of Spring Time!

One of the items in the long list of reasons Signing Smart stands out from other infant and toddler sign language programs is that it teaches parents how to incorporate signs into what they're already doing instead of only through special songs or creating a "teaching" time and atmosphere.  Does that mean we never sing and sign?  Absolutely not!  Every part of your day from meal-time to play time to bed time is worthy of signing; that includes when you're singing.

It appears winter is finally giving way to warmer weather, green grass, and sunny skies here in Northeast Ohio!  That's defiantly something that makes me want to sing.  This week, I thought I'd share some fun springtime songs to celebrate.

Spring is Here - Author Unknown
(Sung to the tune of Are You Sleeping)
I see robins (BIRD)
I see bird nests
BUTTERFLIES too,
FLOWERS too.
Everything is growing.
The WIND is gently blowing.
Spring is here, Spring is here!

Spring Morning - Author Unknown
(Sung to the tune of Here we Go Round the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way the bunny (RABBIT)  hops (JUMP), bunny  hops, bunny hops,
This is the way the bunny hops,
On a spring time morning.

This is the way the blue bird (BIRD) flies...
This is the way the little chick (BABY BIRD) walks......
This is the way the little duck (DUCK) swims......
This is the way the little lamb (BABY SHEEP)runs.....
This is the way the children play (PLAY) .....




Springtime - Author Unknown
(to the tune of "The Muffin Man")

Springtime is garden time,
Garden time, garden time,
Get your spades and come outdoors,
Springtime is here!

Springtime is planting time,
Planting time, planting time,
Get your seeds and come outdoors,
Springtime is here!

Springtime is jumping (JUMP) time,
Jumping time, jumping time,
Get your ropes and come outdoors,
Springtime is here!

Springtime is singing (MUSIC) time,
Singing time, singing time,
Children sing a happy song,
Springtime is here!


What the Robin Told - Author Unknown
The wind
told the grasses, 
And the grasses 
told the trees. 
The trees 
told the bushes, 
And the bushes 
told the bees. 
The bees 
told the robin, 
And the robin 
sang out clear: 
Wake up! 
Wake up! 
Spring is here! 

Here are some websites I used to find the spring songs:
http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems16.html
http://www.preschooleducation.com/sspring.shtml

What is your favorite song about spring?