The Signs and Then Some

When my oldest son Peter was about one year old, I heard about doing signs with your children.  I checked out a signing book from the library and we learned “more” and “all done.”  Those were such helpful signs.  But then things got busy, and that was the end of our signing.

If there had been Sign & Sing classes back then, we could have learned so much more.  I know we would have done more signs since they are paired with songs & strategies in class.  We’d have had a group of friends to help us practice, and an educator to guide us.  We missed out on some other things, too.

In Sign & Sing, parents and children learn a lot of signs and there is a strong language focus.  But Sign & Sing is also a Kindermusik class, and that means every aspect of a child’s development is included.  Here are a few of the ways:

Physical:  Fine motor skills are developed as children use their fingers to form the signs.  Eye-hand coordination is strengthened by reaching for bubbles & rolling balls. Bouncing, rocking, and going for “car” rides develops the vestibular system.

Social:  Class community is created through circle dances.  Children learn turn taking as they wait to get a bear in a sleeping bag.  Everyone works together to clean up the gathering time toys. 

Cognitive:  Through peek-a-boo play & hiding games, children learn object permanence.  Rubber ducks show early number concepts. Opposites are explored as “fruit” goes in an& out of bags and cars stop & go.

Emotional:  Snuggle time creates a bond between child and caregiver.  Hello and Goodbye rituals reassure children and recognize each child as an important member of the group.

Musical:  Every class includes playing instruments such as drums, bells, or shakers to a steady beat.  Lots of singing develops vocal skills.  Class and home CDs feature a variety of styles and musical instruments.

-posted by Miss Anita, who hopes you’ll join us for Sign & Sing in Redmond, Bellevue, or Renton during the Spring Mini Session: We’ll have the rubber duckies and the bears in sleeping bags ready!