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Baby Sign Language Classes

By Donna Harris

Real Estate Agent with Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com 0480809

January 17, 2008 12:29 AM

There have been many babies born around the Rain recently. I was wondering how many people are utilizing or will be utilizing Baby Sign Language?

I plan on taking the course. In the Dallas area, there is a course on March 13 at Presby Plano from 6:30-8:30pm that I am signed up for. There is also a course in May at Presby Dallas if you were going to wait a little longer. I wanted to learn as soon as possible so I can start showing my mom and help get my husband in the routine of using the signs, so I'm not waiting until the recommended age of 5 months. I don't think it matters when the parents learn it, it's about when the babies will start understanding it.

So, what other parents used Baby Sign Language and did it help you and your baby communicate that much better?

Here is the site to register for the class for the Dallas area, and I'm sure there are other places that offer the class, but one of my clients recommended this class.

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Roberta Murphy

San Diego Previews Real Estate - Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes

Donna: If you take the course and it works, please share the progress with us. I had read about it, but know of no one using Baby Sign Language.

Jan 17, 2008 12:46 AM

Chad Baird

Re/Max Spirit - Dayton, OH

My son 3 year old has a speach delay. He started learning signs when he was 2. It did help bridge the communication gap until his speech improved. The only problem though was though, was the pre school never told us parents what the signs meant, so he was signing like crazy and we never knew!

Jan 17, 2008 01:35 AM

Kim Dean

www.GoSimplyTexas.com - McKinney, TX

Simply Texas Real Estate - Broker/Owner

I used it with my first son and it was awesome! I didn't take a class - just got the books. It really helped!

Jan 17, 2008 02:53 AM

Craig Armstrong

Mackaby Realty - Stillwater, MN

Hi Donna,

DeeDee here, Craig's wife. We have used Baby Signs for all 3 of our kids. The oldest, a girl, caught on RIGHT AWAY, and was signing with us at 8 months. The other 2, boys, were a little bit slower to pick it up, but now the youngest, who is 9.5 months has started doing DOG and FISH. We started the 'trend' among family, and have had 4 neices and nephews use it since we started and 1 family friend. It is INCREDIBLE. We did not take the class, however. We used the book, Baby Signs by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn. The statistics on using baby signs are very impressive, including better communication between the ages of 9 to 30 months, speeds up the process of learning to talk, stimulates intellectual development, enhances self esteem and strengthens the bond between parent and infant. You just can't go wrong with Baby Signs. Can't wait to hear about the progress with Baby Harris!!!

Jan 17, 2008 06:32 AM

Donna Harris

Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX

Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Roberta, I had a couple of friends try it, but never committed enough to stick with it when teaching their kids. I hope it works!

Chad, You would have thought the school would have brought you in to show you the signs, or given you a sheet with graphics. I guess they wanted to communicate but didn't care if the parents could.

Kim, That's great that it worked for you. I do have a book, but I rather see the signs instead of trying to figure out the arrows and directions in the book. Plus, dragging Mike to a class will make him learn it as I know he wouldn't read the book.

DeeDee, Great to see you on AR! THat's good that it worked really well for you. I did hear that girls pick it up easier, so I guess we'll see. Plus, if I learn it when she's 4 months, and just start using them, maybe she'll pick up the signs quicker.

Jan 17, 2008 06:55 AM

Chad Baird

Re/Max Spirit - Dayton, OH

The sheets were supposed to be sent home, could have been and lost in the shuffle. I don't blame the school, as we could have followed up more as well. We now know the signs, and my daughter teaches her brother new signs from a book. They can have a pretty good conversation.

We got flack from others saying he needs to learn to talk instead of signing. The signing did not prevent or hinder his talking in any way. It was just a communication tool. I'f we decide to have another I will start signing to the baby sooner than later as well!

Jan 17, 2008 07:25 AM

Elizabeth Nieves

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC

Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

When my girls were actually still babies, I had never heard of it. I am interested to read others' experiences with it. Blessings!!

Jan 17, 2008 08:17 AM

Jackie Burkett

Kirkland, WA

Hi Donna,

I recently had a baby and am just starting to sign with him. How has it worked for you?

Jan 03, 2011 05:56 PM

Donna Harris

Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX

Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Jackie, This was written 3 years ago, but comes back into play since I now have a 5 week old. It worked great! I was able to communicate with her so much earlier than if I had to wait until she talked. It did not hinder her spoken language like some thimk. And in fact, I think it helped as she was way ahead of others in speaking full sentences as well as her current vocabulary. Good luck!!

Jan 04, 2011 08:13 AM

Pat Fenn

Marketing Specialist for CJ Realty Group/Cindy Jones Broker - Springfield, VA

Looks like the SPAM bots had fun with your old post.

Oct 08, 2012 04:43 AM