Welcome guest blogger Becka Marsch
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Within the United States, and beyond, there has been an increasing amount of mommy and me type enrichment classes for children as young as newborn up to kindergarten age. Among these are Kindermusik, Music Together, Sign Language, gymnastics, Gymboree, and more. In fact, it seems that the number of these classes have grown an average of 200% or more just in the last 10 years since my first born took his first Kindermusik class at 1 year of age!
Among these classes, there has been a great demand for sign language classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. These come in a few forms: integrated, such as Kindermusik (Signing Smart) and Gymboree (Signing Babies), and on their own, such as Wee Hands and now Signing Time. These classes will run like your average Kindermusik class…about 45 min to an hour of fun, signing, singing, and learning. (But no instruments ?)
Many parents are resistant to using sign with their children. This stigma is usually the product of years of association of American Sign Language and the Deaf culture. Luckily, with the rise in these classes, many parents are no longer using this association, and learning that, by using sign language with their pre-verbal children, they are not only NOT hindering verbal communication, but providing children with rudimentary learning skills. signing enhances self esteem (since they can ask for what they want and not be discouraged), there will be less tantrums, increase in IQ and intellect, enhancing a life long love of learning, encouraging early reading (Reading with your child is something you should do every day! But when you read AND sign with them, it promotes early reading skills and a LOVE of books), activating multiple learning centers in the brain, associated with language, reading, and learning skills.
Most programs will not let you start until your baby is at least 6 months, but research shows that, when started earlier, and even from birth, that your baby will start communicating with you that much earlier. (My 3 year old started signing 2-4 word sentences at 6 months, after signing from birth, and my 14 month old started with 2-3 word sentences at just 3 months!)
Many parents are thrilled when their 6 month old starts ASKING for MILK, a BOOK, or that BALL in the corner, or their 1 year old can stop mid tantrum and start signing and even speaking what they want and why they are upset. When you know what your child wants, and you can get a “window” into their mind, things can run much more smoothly.
And remember, it is very important, especially in this electronic age that parents and young children interact face to face, instead of letting their children spend hours in front of a television set, computer or video game system.
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Becka Marsch is the mother of 4, ages 10, 7, 3, and 1, and holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, as well as an Associates in Business Management. She has 20 years experience working with children and families, and has enjoyed every minute of it! She also owns Learn & Grow Together
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