Sing and Sign

[Amyjade]

Has anyone taken their child to a sing and sign class?
Are they worth going too and does it really work?

YES YES and YES! It's so fab and I'm very glad I did it. Ds is now 18 months and signing non stop structuring sentences now which makes me so proud and

My Dd2 is only 5 months the recommended age to start is 7 months does that sound a good age?

there are none near me or i would have gone!

however we are having success teaching ds from a book! he is 9 months and signs drink and milk

Sounds like a perfect age generally a good time to start is when they're sitting.
Starlover I did that for a few weeks before I found out we had classes running nearby. 9 months is early to be signing, well done you!

only prob is i keep forgetting to do it regularly... so think classes are probably a really good idea...

i think i might get a dvd or something...

I think for most babies they're 9 months or more before they start some of the signs, though every baby is different and soem will pick it up earlier (I just don't want you to have high expectations!). 5 months is a little early for most I would say though the classes are pleasant enough - singing and looking at some toys. So long as you don't mind that the songs will drive you barmy there's no hamr in starting now, but I just warn you that they won't be signing straightaway.

I'm a fan. With ds1 I had a nanny who knew Makaton and signed with him - in fact he was an early talker and didn't really use signs. With ds2 I was expecting the same, but actually signing became really useful as he had glue ear and delayed speech! I did end up having to show the nursery some of the signs as he was getting into trouble for not apologising (it was his older brother who pointed out to them that he was signing "sorry"!).

Did'nt do the classes, but I know a fair bit of BSL and used some signs with DD from about 6 or 7 months....she used signs for 'down' and 'stop' very early (8 months?) which was really useful at mealtimes! Good luck, hope you enjoy it if you go ahead.

SL you don't have to go to classes, did you ever see the Something Special program on Cbeebies. It will probably be shown again soon, that was fantastic for learning new signs.

You can just sing nursery rhymes and accompany them with signs. The key to it though is to be consistent, i know lots of people who just thought it wasn't getting through and stopped after about 2 weeks! Ds was really quite relaxed about starting but when he got going that was it, no turning back!

yeah was going to mention that actually because ds liks watching it!
i think i could be doing a lot more though! he recognises duck (when he is in the bath)
and i try and do things like car and ball but half the time i completely forget! lol

Ah bless, sounds fab. I think I may have a dvd of a few of the programs taped if you're interested.

Amyjade have you seen the Cbeebies prog?

Yes Dd1 used to watch it all the time, she loved it !! not sure if you have seen my other threads but Dd1 passed away in April so i find these programmes very sad.
Will defaniltly be taking Dd2 to the classes we have two where we live.

Oh AJ I'm so sorry to hear that, how awful for you. Yes I can imagine it would stir up lots of memories and emotions for you.