Babymania

Babies

At the age of six months, babies are ready to communicate their basic needs, but with language only developing between 12 and 24 months, baby needs another communication tool.

The use of basic Sign Language is the easiest way for little hands to ‘talk’ with simple words like ‘eat’ and ‘hug’ and this is easy enough for them, as their hand-eye coordination develops quicker than articulation.

Advantages in the use of Sign Language with your baby or toddler, includes development of language and listening skills, less frustration for the baby and parent or caretaker, less tantrums and negative behaviour, expansion of vocabulary, a good self-esteem and early interest in literature. Research has also shown a higher IQ level for such babies.

The use of signs with babies or toddlers does not hinder normal language development but actually encourages early communication. Remember, a hearing baby can hear, hence it is inevitable for their first language to develop naturally. Children are not just auditive learners, but also learn through the visual and kinetics (touch and experience).

For example, when a parent shows the sign for ‘cookie’ the child also hears the word (hearing), see’s the cookie and signs for it (visual), takes the cookie (touch) and eats it (taste). Almost all the senses are being stimulated at once.
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Ronen’s mother, Hannah says: “My son started using signs from the age of 6-months and sceptical family and friends were amazed to see him using signs so early. It was amazing to be able to communicate with him when no-one else could.”

“Today, his communication skills are so well developed that even strangers notice just how well he communicates. We believe it is because we taught him to communicate his needs clearly from an early age.”

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Tiny Handz is not only focussed on teaching basic Sign Language for use with babies or toddlers, but also runs a special programme for children who have special needs like autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and any other condition that would cause speech difficulty.

Although children with special needs mostly struggle with spoken language, they still possess the ability to communicate. Sign Language then becomes the ‘bridge’ in communication which then in turn also encourages speech and language. As the sign is shown, it is accompanied with speech so that the child is always aware of the fact that the sign goes hand-in-hand with the spoken word.

The visual stimulation provided by Sign Language also stimulates the same centre in the brain that activates speech and gives understanding of language. Many children, who had no speech whatsoever, showed some kind of sound or speech development with the use of basic Sign Language, because of the necessary stimulation.

Understandably, many of these special needs children also show much negative behaviour because of their frustration due to lack of communication.  The use of signs helps to eliminate this behaviour as the children now has the ability and skill to express themselves easier in making known their basic needs with the use of signs.

Furthermore, the use of signs in the special needs spectrum helps children to develop and improve their social interaction as they now also can contribute to conversations. At many schools and institutes where this skill is developed, children who previously distanced themselves, now become the centre of attraction. Children in general enjoy using their hands to communicate (as most adults do without even realizing it!) and they spontaneously participate in communicating with these special friends in their circle.
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Heleen, mother of a child with autism says: “Since we started using signs at home, I can see that a new world has opened for my daughter. She shows so much more confidence to communicate and is not just secluded in her own world anymore. There is far less frustration and I even notice more and clearer speech from her. This is a wonderful experience for any parent of a special needs child. Even at school, things are going much better.”

With the Tiny Handz training, the idea is not to teach South African Sign Language in its totality, but only basic concepts that can make a big difference for example ‘toilet’, ‘hungry’, ‘pain’ or ‘happy’. Categories that are covered in the training include Toys, Home, Colour, Emotions, Food, Animals, Nature and more. Classes are presented in both Afrikaans and English and CPD points count for professionals attending.

There is also a special programme that Tiny Handz has put together for use within the medical field with adults who have lost the ability of speech or lack therein, because of a medical condition for example a stroke. There is also a special kit for divers who would like to enhance and develop their underwater communication skills.

Visit http://www.tinyhandz.co.za for more information or contact Monita Will at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it