Welcome Back.

We are back in business, back in town, and back to work. Our family has been off on an adventure and we are ready to dig into the world of baby signs and family sign language classes.

I have learned so much about the need of incorporating Sign Language in the lives of families with children who for many different reason use Sign Language as a way to communicate with those around them.

As our son gets older he is now 4 1/2 whenever entering a new situation, school, play groups, etc he is able to use his sign language along with his voice to communicate his needs and keep down the tantrums.

Sign Language Class - No summer classes

We will begin a new session in late August. Please check out our blog for the new dates. Post your questions, needs and concerns.

Thank you,

Come Sign With Us Family!!!

Audism - prejudice against deaf community

I think if we are gonna take the time to learn sign language we should also learn about the deaf community and respect it. Communication is a two way street. Although as you read more about Audism you will learn that a huge number of people who are in the deaf are forced to live in an even more silent world in their own homes with their own family and friends and communities. Do you know someone who is deaf? How do you say hello? Can you fingerspell your name? when you enter their room or house do you communicate with your voice or by using Sign Language.
Let me encourage you, if you have a family member who is deaf or hard of hearing and they go to school and use sign or attend college and use Sign or work and use sign. As their family member or friend you too should take the loving time to learn and use sign.
Question: if you were sitting in a group of friends laughing and catching up on old times and your cousin who is deaf sits in the group however no one is signing to him. He could think you are talking about him. Include him face him while you talk, make sure you pull him into the conversation even if no one knows Sign. He will appreciate your efforts. Ask for help with simple signs. Before you know it you will learn more. Most important your cousin does not feel left out or rejected by you and your hearing friends. Think Outside you Comfort Zone...

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.

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.

April 18, 2009 Saturday @ 1pm

Next Class: Phrases and New Vocabulary words...

New Carrollton Library, Sign Language Class

March 21, 2009... We all had a slow start yesterday as I told the group before we got started I was feeling Sick, Tired and had a headache. I think Spring is in the air and so sinus and allergy season is on. But we jumped into our lesson and the group was up for the challenge. Let's introduce ourselves and have a brief dialogue. I think everyone has master the Sign for "slow" down and "Again". That is what you say to someone who is maybe signing a bit to fast for your eyes to follow and for us beginners is nice to be able to request that the question be "Repeated".
And then we moved on to games, what better way to review what you know then to have to see it and then name it. Everyone was a great sport, and if you didn't know a word someone in the group was eager to help so we all learned something new.
One of the things I love about the group is that you feel like you are all learning and excited to learn this beautiful language. I get the feeling from some in my own family that they do not understand what a great gift it is to have an avenue to communicate with other. And for those who in our families case may not have the verbal skill to be able to sign it is a GREAT gift. :) See ya at the next class, April 18th..