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Signing babies are talk of town
7:00pm Saturday 12th August 2006
PENDLE babies will soon be telling mums and dads when they are hungry and tired - well before they can speak.
For youngsters are being taught sign language in new classes designed to boost children's communication skills.
It teaches the baby to sign back before they can speak
JULIE RYDER (Founder)
The baby signing sessions are to be held at the new Giddy Kippers centre, on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson.
And organisers are holding an open day to get parents to sign up for the classes which, they say, are the first of their type in the borough.
Julie Ryder, 35, founder of Talk First, said the classes use a mixture of sign language, music and singing to teach babies how to express their needs.
She said: "From around six months old, babies can understand you, and they are having plenty of thoughts of their own, but they can't tell you what those thoughts are.
"It teaches the baby to sign back before they can speak so it bridges the gap between when a baby knows what to say, but is not able to speak. The classes bring on speech, and reduce tantrums. They are the only ones running in Pendle."
Each week, a puppet called Dexter introduces eight new signs linked to a theme.
Parents are then encouraged to use the signs at home to develop their children's speech.
Tutors have completed sign language courses, and have undergone criminal record checks.
Mrs Ryder said the group was hoping to expand the number of classes it offers in the area. She added: "It is for mums, dads, grandmas and any childminder who wants to come along.
"If the signs are used at home, your baby will be able to tell you if they are hungry, tired, or too hot, before they can speak."
Talk First was launched earlier this year in Bacup and runs a class in the borough.
The open day is being held on Wednesday, starting at 1.30pm. Full sessions will start in September and run every Friday morning in term time.
They will be open to babies up to 30 months old. Two classes, limited to 15 parents and babies, will be on offer.
For more information, call 01706 872816 or visit www.talkfirst.net
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