New Instructors with Lots of Talent!

Here we grow again! WeeHands is so happy to announce that we now have WeeHands classes (and some fantastic WeeHands Instructors) in the following areas:

• Arlington, Virginia, WeeHands Classes are taught by Diedre Dennis
• Ajax, ON WeeHands classes taught by Jodie Richard
  
• Newtown, Pennsylvania WeeHands Classes taught by Judi Lehrhaupt
• Lino Lakes, MN WeeHands classes taught by Jennifer Jensen
• Altanta, GA area classes taught by Persis Bristol-Dodson
• Waterloo, ON area classes with Candice Rotchford
• Cumberland, BC area classes with Julie Catania

Certified WeeHands Instructors all have a background in American Sign Language and teaching / language development. Our new WeeHands Instructors are speech-language pathologists, communicative disorders assistants and American Sign Language Interpreters. What a talented team!

Passionate about Connections

Timing is a funny thing. This week I’ve been interviewed by a public relations student from Durham College and she’s asked me, “Why are you passionate about baby signing?” As well, Julie Cole, and the other ladies at Mabel’s Labels, are asking the question “What have been the rewards and benefits of participating in the blogging community?” I think my answers to both questions are interrelated.

I’m passionate about baby signing because of the connection it builds between parent and child. One of the great benefits about blogging about the topic is that I can quickly share my passion, connect with parents, especially new parents, and help them connect with their babies. It took me two years to write and get The Baby Signing Book published…blogging let’s me connect with parents instantaneously!

Baby sign language helps a baby communicate before they can speak. When a baby can communicate with her parents, this builds her connection with her parents and increases her self-esteem. When a mom can clearly understand her baby, this builds her connection with her baby and increases her confidence as a parent.

As questions about baby signing come up either in the mainstream media or simply from an email I get from a new mom I can answer these questions on my blog quickly and publicly…so that other families, who may have the same questions, can benefit. Anything that enhances the connection between parents and babies is something I think is wonderful! Baby signing….blogging….it’s all about connections!

Head and Shoulders!

Sing and sign the song "Head and Shoulders" to the tune of “London Bridge”.

Tickle or touch your baby's body parts as you sing. Use the signs for BABY in the song and MORE (with a questioning look) after the song is finished.

When signing and singing with your baby, get down to their level, be animated both with your voice and your hands...most of all have fun! Here are the lyrics to use, both traditional and silly.

“Head and shoulders, knees and toes,
knees and toes, knees and toes.
Head and shoulders, knees and toes...
– MY sweet BABY!
Eyes and ear and mouth and nose,
mouth and nose, mouth and nose.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose...
– MY sweet BABY!"

Gently touch your baby on the body parts named, as you sing and sign the song. Please share your signing games and stories with our WeeHands groups on Yahoo and on Facebook!