FAQS
How early can I start?
Start signing now! You can sign "MILK" to your newborn when it's time to nurse or time for a bottle. Sign "SLEEP" at nap and bed times. During mealtime, ask your child if they want "MORE" in-between each spoonful. This will help integrate signs into your daily routine.
Will learning signs delay my child's speech?
Parents are excited when their child can way "goodbye", but wouldn't worry that they are not going to say it. The ability to sign "BYE-BYE" will not discourage a child from speaking the words. In fact many babies say "bye-bye" shortly after they learn to wave. Similarly, the signs your child forms first may turn out to be some of her first words.
My child is already talking. Is it too late to start?
It is never too late to start signing with your child! Young children's speech is not always clear. By introducing American Sign Language vocabulary, you are giving them yet another way to communicate. This will reduce frustration for both of you! Learning signs has many developmental benefits including increased confidence, social skills, enhanced parent-child bonding and an increased vocabulary.
When should I start signing with my baby?
Start as early as you want, just know that it will take time. "Getting Started" for a parent of a baby 6 months of age or younger, means learning and practicing the signs yourself. If you make a habit of it early on, then signing will just come naturally to you! Join a class to stay motivated, meet other signing families and get the support you need!
Will it take a lot of time to learn to sign?
Parenting can be very overwhelming because there never seems to be enough time! This is why we incorporate Baby Signing Time and Signing Time programs. The fun songs and videos make ASL easy and fun for all ages to learn! You do not need to become fluent to benefit.
How soon will my child start signing back?
There are a few factors to consider: how early you start, how frequently or consistently you use signs, as well as the child’s ability or developmental stage. For example, if you start baby sign language with your newborn, she may not sign back until 8-14 months old. If you start with your 2 year old, he may respond immediately, or it could take a couple of months. Many children have a “signing explosion” around 1-and-a-half to 2 years. You will be amazed at how quickly they pick up signs!
What is a Parent & Tot Play, Sing & Sign class like?
Classes meet for 45 minutes each week (12 weeks per session, 24 for the entire season). You’ll learn vocabulary from the Baby Signing Time DVDs, as well as colors, numbers and seasonal signs! Each class starts with our welcome song, “Baby Signing Time! Theme” and a warm up rhyme. Familiar songs, stories and Baby Signing Time songs are then utilized to introduce and practice new signs! Mid-way through each class, an “open play” session will allow you and your child a chance to socialize, ask questions and practice signing. This sometimes includes a bonus activity or craft. Each week also features a signing tip in which we will discuss the benefits of using ASL with babies and toddlers. The class will end with our goodbye songs, rhymes and bubbles! Whether you are already signing with your child, or want to learn how, there are many ways to enjoy and benefit from our sessions!
Can my child attend class with a caregiver or grandparent?
All of our classes are designed for parents or caregivers to attend with their children! We encourage everyone to get involved. The more people that baby sees signing the quicker they will figure out it is a way for them to communicate, too!
Do you give a discount for siblings?
Yes! Siblings receive a discount please see our Programs & Payment page for more information.
Which class is right for my child?
It depends on your child’s age and what your goals are (see below.) Classes do not have to be taken in any order! Also, no two sessions are the same! Many families can take the same class multiple times. Repetition and consistency are important!
Do you offer presentations?
Lil Signing Hands is available for introductory presentations to community groups supporting both new parents and expecting families in St. John's and surrounding area. Participants will learn about the many benefits of signing with babies and toddlers. They will be introduced to the Baby Signing Time program, receive information on methods of signing and tips on how to get started at home. Presentations can run from 30-60 minutes in length. Contact me for details and availability. Note: Parents may attend with or without their children
I've heard you offer a Story Time Program?
Signing Story Times are a great way for you and your child to learn American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary as you play, sing and sign along with your friends and family! Contact me to add a Signing Story Time to your library program, birthday party or other event!
Still not sure? Please feel free to email info@lilsigningtime.ca
Start signing now! You can sign "MILK" to your newborn when it's time to nurse or time for a bottle. Sign "SLEEP" at nap and bed times. During mealtime, ask your child if they want "MORE" in-between each spoonful. This will help integrate signs into your daily routine.
Will learning signs delay my child's speech?
Parents are excited when their child can way "goodbye", but wouldn't worry that they are not going to say it. The ability to sign "BYE-BYE" will not discourage a child from speaking the words. In fact many babies say "bye-bye" shortly after they learn to wave. Similarly, the signs your child forms first may turn out to be some of her first words.
My child is already talking. Is it too late to start?
It is never too late to start signing with your child! Young children's speech is not always clear. By introducing American Sign Language vocabulary, you are giving them yet another way to communicate. This will reduce frustration for both of you! Learning signs has many developmental benefits including increased confidence, social skills, enhanced parent-child bonding and an increased vocabulary.
When should I start signing with my baby?
Start as early as you want, just know that it will take time. "Getting Started" for a parent of a baby 6 months of age or younger, means learning and practicing the signs yourself. If you make a habit of it early on, then signing will just come naturally to you! Join a class to stay motivated, meet other signing families and get the support you need!
Will it take a lot of time to learn to sign?
Parenting can be very overwhelming because there never seems to be enough time! This is why we incorporate Baby Signing Time and Signing Time programs. The fun songs and videos make ASL easy and fun for all ages to learn! You do not need to become fluent to benefit.
How soon will my child start signing back?
There are a few factors to consider: how early you start, how frequently or consistently you use signs, as well as the child’s ability or developmental stage. For example, if you start baby sign language with your newborn, she may not sign back until 8-14 months old. If you start with your 2 year old, he may respond immediately, or it could take a couple of months. Many children have a “signing explosion” around 1-and-a-half to 2 years. You will be amazed at how quickly they pick up signs!
What is a Parent & Tot Play, Sing & Sign class like?
Classes meet for 45 minutes each week (12 weeks per session, 24 for the entire season). You’ll learn vocabulary from the Baby Signing Time DVDs, as well as colors, numbers and seasonal signs! Each class starts with our welcome song, “Baby Signing Time! Theme” and a warm up rhyme. Familiar songs, stories and Baby Signing Time songs are then utilized to introduce and practice new signs! Mid-way through each class, an “open play” session will allow you and your child a chance to socialize, ask questions and practice signing. This sometimes includes a bonus activity or craft. Each week also features a signing tip in which we will discuss the benefits of using ASL with babies and toddlers. The class will end with our goodbye songs, rhymes and bubbles! Whether you are already signing with your child, or want to learn how, there are many ways to enjoy and benefit from our sessions!
Can my child attend class with a caregiver or grandparent?
All of our classes are designed for parents or caregivers to attend with their children! We encourage everyone to get involved. The more people that baby sees signing the quicker they will figure out it is a way for them to communicate, too!
Do you give a discount for siblings?
Yes! Siblings receive a discount please see our Programs & Payment page for more information.
Which class is right for my child?
It depends on your child’s age and what your goals are (see below.) Classes do not have to be taken in any order! Also, no two sessions are the same! Many families can take the same class multiple times. Repetition and consistency are important!
Do you offer presentations?
Lil Signing Hands is available for introductory presentations to community groups supporting both new parents and expecting families in St. John's and surrounding area. Participants will learn about the many benefits of signing with babies and toddlers. They will be introduced to the Baby Signing Time program, receive information on methods of signing and tips on how to get started at home. Presentations can run from 30-60 minutes in length. Contact me for details and availability. Note: Parents may attend with or without their children
I've heard you offer a Story Time Program?
Signing Story Times are a great way for you and your child to learn American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary as you play, sing and sign along with your friends and family! Contact me to add a Signing Story Time to your library program, birthday party or other event!
Still not sure? Please feel free to email info@lilsigningtime.ca