MultiLingual homes are fairly common in Austin and I get asked often in the play classes and by parents at events, etc. if adding sign language to the other languages helps or is more confusing for their baby. Good question!

The following article addresses how Baby Signs (visual language) helps bring it all together for babies hearing more than one language before they can talk.

Babies all over the world are all born able to hear all the particular sounds associated with every language man speaks.This is the case up to around 12 months. After that, humans stop being able to understand the sounds unless a language continues to be used in the home or by any caregivers, etc. That's one of the reasons it's so hard for us as adults to learn a very tonal language different from the one we learned as a child.

So talk away to your baby in any language you want them to learn and add some signs with the words to help him or her tie it all together!

Happy Signing,

Tina

Independent Certified Baby SignsŪ Instructor

   and On the Grow™ Educator

Tina Recommends

Partners in Parenting is an Austin Non-Profit that provides support for parents. I've spoken a few times for various PIPsqueak Groups and have been impressed by how organized the groups are and helpful to the parents. These are safe, small groups that provide Community, Confidence, Support, Information, Empowerment, Encouragement and Validation so no new parent ever feels isolated, ill-equipped or uninformed!

Theme to be announced soon.

5555 North Lamar Blvd., C127, Austin, TX

Is your toddler between 14 and 24 months (older if not talking yet) and knows a few signs?

Email Tina at babysignsbytinac@gmail.com and if there's enough interest the next

Sunday afternoon class at Austin Born will be scheduled for these older, signing toddlers.

This class is also a six-week 45-min. class that offers additional signs and parent education topics from the first class that are more appropriate for the older toddler.

See sign themes and more for this class at: Classes

7301 Burnet Rd., Ste. 200M (next to Tuesday Morning)

Cost - $100 for 4-week series

Enough tummy time is imperative for babies and too little can lead to delays in sitting up, crawling, walking and even brain development.

Is your baby fussy and you feel you give up too easily? Let The Baby SignsŪ Program help with easy, inexpensive ideas to help your baby tolerate this very important developmental stage. Bring your baby and join other moms and babies for some good social time for you and tummy time for your baby!

This class is for babies two to six months old.

Can register from the Special Addition website or contact Tina to reserve spot. Drop-ins are welcome for the first two classes. After that, please wait for another series to begin.

7301 Burnet Rd., Ste. 200M (next to Tuesday Morning)

Cost: $30/family

Is your older toddler or child not thrilled about the new baby on the way? This is a class just for them that focuses on their new role as "teacher" to their new baby. 

Your child will feel special and be excited about being a big brother or sister by the end of the class. The whole family will play games, sing songs, learn a few signs, enjoy a story time and make a special craft to take home.

 

Age of Baby: Expecting to 6 months

Age of Sibling: 2 to 5 years

Note: Dolls will be available if baby is not here yet or can't attend.

Register on Special Addition website or contact Tina to save your place.

Walk-ins welcome.

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NEW! - Individual Training Sessions - 60-min. pres. to whole family tailored to your child - includes helpful handouts and products (board books, music CD's, etc.) to continue signing after initial training - $100- for babies/toddlers expecting to 14 months

Sibling Class - My Baby & Me (45-min. one-time class - $30)

Tummy Time Class (four 45-min. class series - $100)

Parent Workshop (90-minute evening workshop - $75)

Sign, Say & Play (six 45-min. class series - $150) - for babies/toddlers 8 to 14 months

More Sign, Say & Play (six-45-min. class series - $100) - for older toddlers who sign a little (14 - 24 months) - no kit available but books and song CDs available for additional purchase.

Find more detailed information about all classes under the Classes tab on main website: