Has anyone taken a baby signing class?

[webjefita]

I'm interested in hearing about your experience. How much did you pay? How long was the class/workshop? and what did you think of it, compared to reading a book or seeing a video?

[Unreal]

we haven't, but thought about taking an ASL class through our local community college.

the baby signing programs all vary so much, I would want something that at least uses ASL signs, not something else...

We do have the Signing Times videos, vol 1, 2, and 3...and them
They are great for adults and kids....definitely worth the investment, imo

[nicole lisa]

We didn't, but instead used the ASL books we already had and that were in the library. You don't really need a class.

But it does work awesome! It's so amazing to have your babe communicating with you in a clear way before they have the verbal ability. It's just so neat when you realize they are telling you something specific; that they understand the sign.

And my DS still uses them from time to time. When he has a mouthful of something or gets excited about being on a ride at the fair he'll usually use the sign for "more" instead of using his voice, and he's 4 1/2.

[pajara2]

Wow this is cool. We are planning to do this with our baby. I've heard it's wonderful. I've also wanted my 9 y/o and myself to learn ASL and are using the upcoming baby as our final motivation!

We will be using books and videos and just self-teaching. I hope it won't be that hard.

[webjefita]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to start teaching classes in my area! I'm just tyring to find out all I can.

[bobica]

we took a great music & sign class that we loved! we're also huge Signing Time! fans. there's a pretty busy signing thread in toddlers if you'd like to come & join toddler sign thread

i've been looking into becoming a rep for www.sign2me.com. i just got the kit & I love that it's ASL based. I think baby signs is a great program too, but i'm interested in continuing signing as she gets older & it being a great option as a 2nd language.

good luck with your classes!! that's really exciting!

[monkey's mom]

We took multiple classes--beginner to advanced from about 8 mos. to 2+ yrs.

I highly recommend it! We paid $90 for 10 weeks--1 hour classes. Soley ASL (which I feel pretty strongly in favor of).

The classes were great b/c we learned the signs in themes (animals, family, food, household stuff, activities, playground, etc.), and that made it easy to focus on a few at a time. We also signed songs and did signing games. Other than that, it was nice to have the bubbles, parachute, toys, etc. that one would usually get in just a regualr mommy & me class.

My son's signing took off and helped his language SO much. He is one of the most verbal 3 yr. olds I've ever met--freaked the ped out at age 2.5 with his conversation! :LOL

I have the Joseph Garcia book and it was hard for me to get a sense of some of the signs just from looking at them. Haven't gotten any of the videos, but that might help, too.

I just ran into my sign teacher the other day and was dismayed to hear they've put their classes on hold--we're having our second child in June and I am hoping to take the classes with him, too. Regardless, we'll start siging thinkgs like "milk" and "more" from day one.

Good luck with your signing!

[ZeldasMom]

I use the garcia book, one other book, and this web site which is awesome for really understanding what the sign is supposed to look like. It's also an awesome resource for looking up signs not in Garcia. In the beginning I thought why would I want even more signs? But especially as your child gets older you definitely will:
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm