Hi and welcome to TinyTalk Ashby and South West Derbyshire. I am Bernadette and I am pictured with my 2 children, William and Katherine. I discovered TinyTalk when my son was just 4 months old and thoroughly enjoyed learning the signs, learning the repertoire of nursery rhymes and meeting local mums (who I am still friends with now!). The hot drink and biscuit was always welcome too! William became a confident signer from an early age and was able to tell me via signing what he wanted/needed or was thinking which meant less frustration on his part and a lot less guessing on mine! I took William to the toddler signing classes when my daughter was born and this proved invaluable for William’s development. Now he enjoys teaching Katherine signs. Plus it always helps to remind William of his manners by signing ‘say please’ or ‘say thank you’ to him across a busy playgroup or birthday party!!

I decided to become a TinyTalk teacher because my family gained so much from the experience. My husband was sceptical at first but now he’s seen how much it has positively helped us communicate with our children he is supporting my change of career fully. The atmosphere in my classes is fun, friendly and relaxed which is the best environment to engage and learn a new skill in. The sessions are totally baby lead and the second half of the session is dedicated time to allow babies to play and interact whilst parents and carers enjoy a hot cup of something, a good natter, forge new friendships and indulge in a chocolate biscuit or two.

Sharing this experience with my family and friends and seeing my children develop into confident TinyTalkers is amazing and I hope I can do the same for your family too. So do come along, and enjoy the fun. You can start at any point during the term, subject to space. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Bernadette