It is a problem that every new parent faces - a crying baby and the parents left feeling a little frustrated and upset as they try to work out what their child needs. That’s where TinyTalk Baby Signing Classes in Melton Mowbray comes in. TinyTalk Melton Mowbray teaches parents and carers how to communicate with their child before they can speak.
From an early age a baby’s understanding often outreaches their ability to communicate. Between the ages of 6-9 months old, babies start linking words to objects, but their vocal cords, tongue and mouth muscles are not developed and coordinated enough to talk and be understood until they are approximately 12-18 months old. Frustration can take hold as both parents and child struggle to understand each other. This frustration can lead to tantrums causing upset to both the parents and the child.
After picking up a TinyTalk leaflet at a midwife appointment and reading all these benefits, and more when she was pregnant, Jess was keen to attend baby signing classes once her baby was born and COVID-19 restrictions had lifted, allowing face-face classes. Fast forward almost 6 months and finally, restrictions were lifted. Jess attended her first class when her baby was just 5.5 months and was hooked from day 1! Straight away she could see how important these classes were and decided to train to become a teacher, bringing these classes to a community where TinyTalk didn’t yet run classes.
“I started signing with Henry when he was 5.5 months old and he did his first sign to me at around 7 months! My partner and I were so amazed. We chose to focus on a handful of signs to begin with, these were milk, more, food, enough and nappy. By 12 months old he had mastered most of these and many others, his favourite sign being bird! It has showed us how observant and aware Henry is; he spots birds and planes before we do! We could see the joy in his face when he realised we knew what he wanted, what he was looking at or why he was upset. Signing has allowed us to gain a real insight into what he is thinking or looking at from such a young age, it’s been a wonderful bonding experience for us all.”
We already use gesture as a natural part of our language. By building on this and teaching some simple British Sign Language signs, babies as young as 6-9 moths old are able to start expressing their wants and needs or their excitement at seeing lots of ducks in the park! Some parents worry that by using baby signing their child’s speech while be delayed. This is not true and is often the opposite. It is important to say the word whilst signing it so that the child then makes the link between the object, the spoken word and the sign. TinyTalk baby signing can help bridge the gap between understanding and being able tocommunicate, thus providing the child with the opportunity for early communication skills and giving them the building blocks on which to structure their developing spoken language. Baby signing is useful for children of all ages, not just pre-verbal, as Jess found out, “at 20 months old. Henry is very talkative and can say many words very clearly. I believe this is due to the foundation communication skills TinyTalk has provided. Although Henry can now communicate many of his needs verbally, he still signs a lot of the words simultaneously. Continuing his signing after he started speaking has proven invaluable. When Henry is tired and upset and feels we do not understand him, he will often revert back to just signing the word which has been amazing to see. Signing has become an integrated part of our lives and I know that we will continue to learn and have lots of fun with it too.”
Jess runs weekly baby signing classes at Asfordby Parish Hall on a Thursday morning; with more class days and venues coming soon. Classes consist of ½ hour of signing taught by singing popular nursery rhymes and action songs, using props, instruments, undertaking hands-on sensory activities, reading and signing books, and much more. This is followed by ½ hour social time where the babies can interact and play with toys whilst the adults enjoy a well-earned drink and chocolate biscuit (or two!). TinyTalk believes that baby signing can play a significant role in helping early communication and language development, as well as promoting the development of many other skills; this really is an all-rounder class. Lots of other language development tips are taught in the classes, such as remembering to face the child every time a sign is used, the importance of repetition and to always keep it relaxed and fun!
"I am so excited to bring TinyTalk baby signing classes to Melton Mowbray and to meet all the wonderful parents, carers and babies! TinyTalk has truly changed my experience as a new mother, Henry and I learnt so much and met some great friends. I cannot wait to share this special skill with others. Classes are so relaxed and so much fun for all involved. Siblings are more than welcome to join at no extra cost too!"
For childcare providers, such as nurseries, childminders and pre-schools, Jess is also available for teaching classes within your establishments. Classes in environments such as these have proven priceless to staff, as well as the children.
Try a class for FREE. Jess is running multiple free Baby Signing Classes in Melton Mowbray throughout August. More details can be found on the TinyTalk Melton Mowbray Facebook page @TInyTalkMelton.
To find out more about TinyTalk Baby Signing Classes, to book a class or to organise classes in a childcare setting, please visit www.tinytalk.co.uk/jesscripps or contact Jess on 07552721991 or jesscripps@tinytalk.co.uk. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for class pictures and news and updates @TinyTalkMelton.
