One of the newest trends in communication with babies is using baby sign language.

Many parents are using sign language to facilitate communication with their little ones and it has proven to be very effective.
Babies and toddlers are very limited in their ability to tell others what they want and need.  Using baby sign language is an effectual way to help a little one process language.
Baby sign language helps reduce the number of tantrums that a toddler has.  Many times, a toddler will become extremely frustrated when he is unable to tell others what he needs.  He does not have the skills required to articulate his wants and needs through speech.
Gestures are much easier for a baby to use.  We teach our babies to clap when they are happy and stretch out their arms to be picked up.  Most babies also learn how to shake their heads for no and nod for yes.
The fact is, parents and babies have always used a limited form of sign language to communicate.  How many times have you looked at your baby and thought, "Why is my baby crying?" If only your baby could tell you what's wrong, what hurts, what they want or what they need, wouldn't it make your life a lot easier?
Research has shown that while babies may lack the fine motor skills to speak, they do have the ability to understand and use language as early as 6-7 months.  And given the right guidance, they have lots to say - with their hands.
When you teach a hearing baby basic signs, there is an immediate boost in parent-baby communication that has never been possible before.
One of the most popular signs to teach first is “more” because it is very easy for a baby to understand.  If you are swinging a baby in a swing, take a moment to stop swinging and sign “more” before continuing the activity.  It is not necessary to require the baby to use sign language.  Modeling the signs is a great way to introduce them.  The baby will eventually begin using the sign language on his own as he learns to imitate.
Once the little one begins to use baby sign language, you will find that he also begins to articulate the words associated with the signs.  Make it fun.  Involve activities and things that the baby loves and you will have a great start on building your child’s communication skills.  Baby sign language is the first step to developing good communication skills, and in turn, good behaviour.
Through Guided-Play, Singing and Stories, Lionheart Kids Baby Sign classes have been developed as a communication tool for you and your pre-verbal baby.  Introducing the fundamentals of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) to you and your baby, and showing how to incorporate signing into your everyday activities, will open up your world of communication.
On completion of this 8 week program you will receive take-home materials to continue building your child’s communication skills.  Term one classes start 5th February.  Visit www.Lionhearts.com.au for further program details and timetable, or call 3289 3513 for bookings.