TREE                               BIG                                 HAT                                EAT

Sign Language for Hearing Babies

My name is Melissa Ayotte and when my daughter (pictured above) was a baby, her brother and I taught her to use signs.  Like all signing parents, I had a wonderful experience!  Signing is a truly magical gift to a child.  Since then, I’ve helped many families learn to sign with their Babies and Toddlers.  I offer workshops, musical playclasses, and host a monthly signing playgroup which is FREE and always open to new members.  Please scroll down the page to find out about my classes and events.

Why use sign language?

 

All Babies communicate non-verbally and learn to wave “Bye Bye”.  Teaching your child to use Sign Language is nothing more than an extension of this natural communication, and signing has profound benefits for both parents and children.  

 

· Much less whining, crying, and feeling frustrated

· Wants and needs clearly communicated, less guesswork for caregivers

· Nurtures the parent-child bond

· Higher self esteem leading to increased confidence & social skills

· Higher IQ test scores when older (NIH study by Drs Acredolo & Goodwyn)

· Earlier verbal skills.

· More advanced and complex sentences (3 year olds speak like 4 year olds!!)

 

Even if your child speaks a few words, there are no doubt many more things he/she wants to say, and signing makes that happen! 

 

 

 

Baby Sign Language Classes & Events in Marin County

The Baby Sign Language In-Home Workshop In 60 minutes, in the comfort of your own home, I can teach you everything you need to know to teach your Baby to use Sign Language.  Learn strategies that work, and common mistakes to avoid.  Maximize your efforts with the “4 Keys to Signing Success”.      Fee: $85 for one family, $70 per family for two or more families Includes workshop fee, handouts, and the “My Baby Can Talk” DVD.  Evenings/Weekends Available.  Please contact me directly for more information, or to schedule.  Melissa Ayotte (415) 721-1929

Kindermusik with Sign Language (a weekly class) Kindermusik Village is a weekly class experience that incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music, movement & sign language. In a social setting, we will dance & move, sing & chant, play instruments and games, and much more!  High quality, professionally created At Home materials include a Kindermusik CD of beautifully recorded music, an instrument, & board book.     Classes held in Novato Wed, Thurs, & Fri click here for full schedule & other info.

Playgroup Sing & Sign Class (a one-time class) Gather your playgroup friends together for a 45 minute class that combines parent workshop information (history/benefits/teaching techniques) and fun Musical Playtime Activities for Baby!  Perfect for mother’s clubs, playgroups, and daycare families.  This class can be held at your home or at the Optimal Learning Center in Novato.  Fee $100 for up to 10 families, materials will be available for additional purchase.

FREE Introduction to Baby Sign Language Public Workshops For parents and caregivers of children Newborn to 3 years old. Pre-walkers are welcome to attend, please no older children at this class, thanks.   Learn to use American sign language as a means of pre-verbal communication through songs, games and fun playtime. Learn over fifteen ASL signs, strategies for introducing them to your little one, and how to avoid common mistakes.  No registration necessary, please arrive 5 min early to sign in, space is limited.   ►At Pharmaca Novato 7514 Redwood Blvd  (next to Trader Joe’s)              Every 3rd Monday beginning November 17                time: 11:30 to 12:00   call to confirm: 892-3700   ►At Elephant Pharmacy San Rafael: 909 Grand Ave phone: 462-6000 Every 4th Monday each month time: 11:00 AM to 11:30     call to confirm:  462-6000 Participants at Elephant Pharmacy get 10% shopping discount!

FREE The Marin Baby Sign Language Playgroup Bring your snacks and toys and join us for a relaxing hour of stories, fun, and inspiration!   Our playroom features lots of bouncy balls, tunnels, bubbles, parachute, puppets and more!  Open to children of all ages and new members are always welcome.     Location: Lanham Village Community Center  4 Martin Drive Novato (across from Hamilton School)   Second Saturday of each month @ 11:00 to 12:00 noon   If you plan to attend the Baby Sign Playgroup please RSVP to Melissa Ayotte 721-1929 melissa@musicwithmelissa.com

FREE Melissa’s monthly E-News Features a “sign of the month” and ideas for teaching it to your child.  Click here to sign up for the E News at my Homepage

Not able to take a class?  Order the DVD! Get 20% off the My Baby Can Talk DVD!  It’s the best! use coupon code: singandsign  order here

 

While a “live” class or a event is recommended for those starting out using Baby Sign Language, you can also learn just like I did, through books, videos and internet resources. 

 

Remember: don’t sign a little, sign a lot! 

You can do it!