subject: Baby Fingers Sign Language For Babies [print this page] Research demonstrates the benefits of teaching sign language to babies, including an increased command of verbal language. Overall communication skills improve when hearing children are exposed to a visual language prior to speech development. Additionally, parent/child bonding is strengthened. Long term benefits include increased social skills, stronger foundation for learning other foreign languages, larger vocabulary, and higher IQ.
Baby Fingers unique programs explore the benefits of sign language for pre-verbal and non-verbal babies, toddlers, and preschoolers by teaching ASL as early as possible. Exposure to ASL at an early age provides access to language prior to speech development, allowing babies and toddlers to communicate with their parents at a much earlier age.
Founding Director Lora Heller's background in deaf education, combined with her experience with her own children who began signing at 6 months old, convinced her that sign language for babies was a worthwhile endeavor. Heller, a music therapist, combined sign language with songs and musical play. Realizing this process enhanced her children's ability to communicate much sooner than babies without this type of stimulation. She founded Baby Fingers In 2000, to share her experiences and expertise with other parents of babies and young children.
The staff of Baby Fingers is uniquely qualified to teach sign language for babies, with their unique backgrounds and American Sign Language education. They have all completed professional training, as well as having bachelors and masters degrees in the fields of childhood and deaf education, social work, psychology and speech therapy. Their skills teaching sign language for babies are essential in making the experience both fun and educational; giving parents the assurance that their children are learning something that will benefit them both socially and developmentally.
The roster of class offerings at baby Fingers is as diverse as it is educational. You can start with "Mommy and Me" sign language for babies, which begins with newborns, and progresses to age 3, helping toddlers gain more in-depth grasp of language. In addition, there are "Creative Play and Sign" classes, which combine American Sign Language with movement to music, stories and dramatic play. Not only will this enhance creative expression and socialization, it will aid in strengthening vocabulary and comprehension. There are plenty of options for older children, including family and school workshops, home school classes, ASL for teens & adults and even interactive parties. There are no limits on how sign language for babies can enrich the lives of your children and you.
For more information about Baby Fingers sign language programs, faculty and class schedules visit Mybabyfingers. For supplemental learning at home, Baby Fingers offers a range of webinars and books, and other products, as well as valuable resources to view documented research. In the New York area, call 212 874-5978 to speak directly to the staff at Baby Fingers.
