Spotlight on Sign Language at Baby Bungalow

How to communicate with your baby using everyday signs

We all hate seeing our kids unhappy. When your baby is too young to speak, it can be hard to know exactly what they want or need. Sign language is a set of simple hand gestures (signs) that correspond to common words you use with your baby every day. In recent years, more parents are turning to sign language to help boost communication with their little ones. Better communication, in turn, leads to smoother interactions and fewer frustrations (for both of you).

Baby Bungalow’s sign language classes are led by Erica Knight Merrit, a facilitator trained and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), who teaches parents and other caregivers some of the basics of signing with their children. Signing can give babies and young children communication tools while they are developing and practicing their language skills. 

Daily routines, such as meals and story time are focal points of the workshop. The class is taught in two sections. Section 1 teaches the basic signs like “eat”, “more”, “milk” and “all done”. Section 2 teaches colors, family signs, and the sign for toys the children in the class play with at home. Erica teaches the caregivers and their children the signs and then practices using them in the class through songs. 

Sign Language has many benefits and can be a fun way to engage with your little one. We hope you’ll join Baby Bungalow for their next two-session class on February 10 & 17! The class is open for parents with children from age birth to age 5. To register, click here.