|
Just because babies can’t talk yet, doesn’t
mean you can’t communicate with them. Signing with babies has
been gaining in popularity in the last few years but some parents
may be wary of buying a book and trying to go it alone. This fall,
Saint Joseph Health Center is coming to the rescue with Love Language,
a class for babies six to 18 months and their parents.
Love Language is more than just teaching sign language
to babies. The program, put together by an experienced music therapist
and a child development specialist, combines singing and signing.
“Integrating music with signing makes it more interesting,”
says Anne Meeker Miller, PhD, and music therapist. “We use
music as a teaching tool—to help parents practice the vocabulary.
We give them a CD they can play at home and in the car so they can
practice.”
Over the four weeks of classes, participants will learn
about 20 signs–very functional words used in daily lives such
as eat, drink, more, all done, please and play. “We are giving
the parents the tools,” says Cindy Giddings, the child development
specialist. “They need to use this at home to be successful.
But it does work.”
“Birth to a year old is the critical time for all
kinds of cognitive development,” says Meeker Miller. “Children
can understand the concepts of words at one year but they are better
at gesturing than speaking. It’s frustrating for the baby and
the parent. Instead of playing Guess the Baby’s Needs, you’re
able to have the baby tell you want he or she wants.”
Shelly Allmon signed up for the class to have some quality,
organized playtime with her 16-month-old daughter, Sidney. Sidney
is the oldest class member, and while Sidney isn’t signing
yet, her mother has incorporated a few signs into daily activities.
“I use ‘stop’ and ‘more’ quite a bit,”
says Shelley. “We listen to the music in the car and sing along.
I just want to take any opportunity to benefit her.”
There is more to the 45-minute class than just singing
and signing. “We create centers for the babies and parents
to play in,” says Giddings. “We include sensory activities
and gross motor activities using things you have at home. You don’t
need to buy every toy in the store to have meaningful play.”
The class teaches the signs that are part of American
Sign Language, actual signs used by the deaf community. Research
has shown it doesn’t impede vocal development but, in fact,
facilitates it.
“There are many advantages,” says Meeker Miller.
“This type of communication reduces frustration for both the
baby and the parent, strengthens the bond between them and also
gives new moms and dads a chance to interact with other new parents.
And, best of all–it’s fun.”
Now, if they could just come up with a better way of
communicating with teenagers.
|
