Hi, I’m Lisa, and here I am pictured with my TinyTalkers Mary-Kay and Harriet. As well as being a mum, I’m a qualified teacher in Science and Psychology, so understand the importance of early communication and bonding.

I started signing with Mary-Kay when she was four months old. She made her first proper sign, at 9 months when she woke up from her nap and signed to her daddy that she wanted ‘milk’. Shortly after she was able to confidently tell us when she wanted milk, juice, food or bed. Around the same time, she started to understand different body parts and we would ask her to find her head etc. and sing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. One morning she surprised us by signing ‘Where’ and ‘Head’ and when we said ‘Where’s your head?’ she clapped us!!!

Over the next few months, she signed ‘duck’, ‘all gone’, ‘toast’, ‘bird’, ‘flower’, ‘dog’, ‘teddy bear’ and ‘fish’. From then on, there was a sudden explosion of signs, with new ones practically every day. By 16 months old she had between 40-50 signs and around 20 words or animal sounds, and just a month later over 80 signs and 50 words. She would even ask for ‘more’ ‘signs’! By her 2nd birthday, she could sign over 200 words and say over 500, speaking in 3 or more word sentences and describing things by size, colour, loudness etc.

I'm now eagerly awaiting Harriet's first sign, having started with her at birth. I'm also excited to see how Harriet and Mary-Kay interact using sign.

The benefits still amaze me every day, and I love it when the babies at my classes start signing, and seeing how excited their parents get. Come and see for yourself how rewarding baby signing can be. Our classes are one hour long and include singing and signing, instruments, books, playtime and refreshments. Each 12 week term is pre-payable, though you are welcome to join at any time if there is space. Please contact me for further information or to book your place. I look forward to seeing you and your baby soon!

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