Fit kids are healthy kids, lookout for Athlekids coming soon 2-5yrs.
Baby Sign has created a lovely bond between me and Kathryn. It's wonderful to know what she is trying to tell me. I have realised her love for dogs, planes and plants....
- Reinette Nel
About Claudia Taylor
My name is Claudia Taylor. I am a mother of three with a paediatric background and have been teaching Baby Sign for over five years. Having learnt Makaton sign language, Baby Signing was a natural progression. I understand the importance of Baby Signing as it has played - and still plays - a huge part in my children’s lives.
My eldest, Thomas, had a favourite sign of ‘aeroplane’, which he signed at around eight months. He loved telling me he had seen one and it was amazing to see this baby communicate such a thing!
Ben, my second child had a favourite sign which was ‘biscuit’. He loved the baby biscuits and this sign played a huge part for a good few years. Now at the age of five he can obviously ask for one and he still loves them!
When Bonnie (my youngest) was 10 months old, her favourite sign was ‘bed’. She simply tells me when she is tired and wants to go to bed. There is no crying and no tears, just a simple sign. Another one of her favourites is the fan that spins in her bedroom. When she has her nappy changed, she looks up at the ceiling and signals the fan and I am able to acknowledge this and talk about it.
I have seen how signing has helped other parents too. One case in particular, was when a mother told me her child had a sore toe. It was hurting and her child was able to sign pain and point to their foot. The mother discovered an in-growing toenail! Easily missed, but so helpful to know as the mother could quickly respond to her child’s distress.
I too experienced how Baby Signing helped my son when he had pain in his mouth because he was teething. It made such a difference, as my child understood pain but did not have the words to tell me. However, using two simple signs he could communicate with his hands to tell me he was in pain and show me where.
I teach Auslan because it is the National Sign Language of Australia. These signs have been incorporated into a fun program, to include some of mine and hopefully yours too, well known favourite songs and nursery rhymes and some specific to Baby Sign. Baby and toddler classes have been designed to teach families how to develop their baby’s early speech, language and literacy skills.
