There are many different companies that offer baby signing, and it can be confusing to try and decide which is the right option for you and your baby. The honest answer is that most should offer the same thing with similar content in the course, the differences will be cost, distance to you, days the course run on and the length of the course.
I think there should be some core content that should be covered and it is beneficial for you to research what the company and course will be offering you, my top 10 tips for a baby signing course are:
- To be priced between £45-60 for a beginners course, with twins only paying once. You may find advanced classes cost slightly more due to the extra props and time that is usually allowed in class
- For courses to last between 6-10 weeks
- To cover the basic family signs and ‘doing’ signs eat, more, where etc
- To have a week that is dedicated to animal signs, which includes jungle animals as well as pets!
- To cover activity signs, (the fun signs!) Going to the park, the shops, the swimming pool, the farm
- The classes are to be fun and interactive allowing time for the little ones to get involved, either with noisy instruments or puppets helping with the sign of the week
- For the class teacher to be friendly and approachable and a source of information for you!
- Advice to be given to you for how to integrate the signs regularly into your daily routine
- To cover the signs for when your little one is poorly so they can communicate with you what is hurting them.
- For the class teacher to sign clearly and to repeat sections regularly so you can learn and keep up!
It is also important for you to consider what type of class you want to attend. Many companies offer pure baby signing classes, whilst others offer a combination of baby signing and similar techniques. For example, “Baby Sensory” classes do involve some baby signing, but will concentrate most of the lesson on sensory activities with your baby.
In the end though it really does depend on what is local to you and what you think your little one will enjoy! The wonderful thing about baby signing is that it can be adapted and used in most baby friendly activities!
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