Sunday, April 12, 2009

Why a sign language Class

I started this class out of my own personal need. I have a child who has been diagnoses with a severe speech disorder and from the age of 12months I was told he would need to have an alternative way to communicate. Sign Language was given as an option. The speech therapist felt it would help keep down the frustration and tantrums. So, the journey began as we looked for classes or books on how to teach our son sign language. And at first it was very easy because it seemed like the stylish thing at the time was to learn "Baby Sign". Eat, Milk, Banana, Drink, Apple... all the cute basic stuff. I took a class with my son at the local community center. And the teacher was very helpful. We visited a deaf school and their program for children my sons age, but we were only allowed to observe since my son is hearing. These program are for hearing children only. Finally, We learned about "Signing Times" dvd's and got off to a good start. My sons Infant & Toddler teacher suggested a women who taught in-home classes and we took those classes for about 3 months and it was very helpful. Now that my son is 4 years old and still uses some signs, some voice and eventually he will use a computer device the need is not as great as it was 3 years ago, however, i have a huge amount of compassion for those who find themselves in our families place of wanted to know what to do and how to do it and no true place to go for answer. I have a lot of resources and answer and most importantly passion. Whatever I can do to help I will do my best.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

What to expect in Class

New Vocabulary: Family,Feelings,Relationships

Games....practice

Question.? what do you want to learn to say? write in and let us know.


CLASSES ARE HELD ONCE A MONTH @ NEW CARROLLTON LIBRARY.