Why are Baby Fingers classes based on American Sign Language?
American Sign Language is the language of the Deaf, a true language with its own grammar and syntax. The signs are not made up. As Joseph Garcia stated regarding Sign with Your Baby programs: http://www.sign2me.com/asl.php. Since the birth of the United States, ASL has been evolving to become the accepted sign language in North America. It is now standardized throughout the United States and Canada. The advantage of using a standardized sign language as a foundation is that most people who share knowledge of that language will be able to identify and respond to the signs that your baby knows. ASL structure is compatible with the nature of language development in infants. One sign can relate an entire concept. Young children begin communicating using one-word sentences (or in this case, one-gesture sentences) to express complete thoughts or needs. ASL signs are also very iconic, in many cases resembling the objects or activities they represent. A foundation is provided for continued learning of ASL [or any language] in later years.
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Are classes only for Deaf children?
No, Baby Fingers was developed for hearing babies and hearing parents. However, Deaf children and children with a variety of special needs will benefit from the program.
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What is the optimal age to introduce signs to our baby?
I suggest you begin learning signs right away, so it becomes part of your routine. Your baby will enjoy watching your signs at a very early age. Some babies may begin to sign as early as 4-6 months, others not until after a year, depending on consistency of use at home (among other things). A baby needs to develop memory, dexterity, and cognition adequate for recognizing, retaining, and producing signs. Babies and toddlers alike are enjoying the class. It is never too late to start... Baby Fingers classes include children ages one month through six years.
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How long will it take for our baby to start signing?
This also depends upon use at home. Integrating sign into your daily activity and consistently using signs on a daily basis is the key. Your child's age and motivation also play a role; some will start signing in a week, others in a few months. Babies have what they need to begin signing between 8-10 months, though some will start sooner and others will take their time.
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What scientific research supports the idea of signing with babies?
Research in this area is continuing today at Ohio State University, see the following article. A longitudinal study was conducted at the University of California at Davis by Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn. The study, which followed babies through their eighth year, indicated that signing with babies has many benefits including a strengthened parent-child bond, increased interest in books, enhanced verbal language development, and higher IQs. More details can be found here: http://www.visuallyspeaking.info/pages/index.php?page=research. Also, I strongly recommend reading Dancing with Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy, by Marilyn Daniels. Other research on signing with hearing babies can be found here: http://www.sign2me.com/research.php.
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Why the combination of music and sign language?
Music also enhances language development, spatial reasoning skills, socialization, and motivation to communicate. Signing is rhythmic as is music, and the combination provides a natural means by which to practice and interact. Both signing and music aid in the ability to keep a steady beat; this skill has been linked to improved reading performance. For more information about the benefits of music, read--http://www.childcareexchange.com/library/5013353.pdf

Where can I get more information?
Our links and articles pages may be helpful, and contact me directly with any specific questions you may have.

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