Children speak their minds, with their hands

ROCKWALL, TX (June 8, 2014) Cheryl-Annette Parker was in fourth grade when she was introduced to American Sign Language. She was taught to sign to “Joy to the World,” and it ignited a passion to learn more. She took every ASL class available – all the way through college.

When Parker became a mother, she decided to teach her child sign language. Beginning at age one, her daughter would watch and listen as she signed to books, songs and stories. Soon the toddler began expressing her needs through signing, laughter and language.

Seeing how quickly her own daughter’s vocabulary and signing skills grew, Parker began sharing her knowledge with other parents. She became a Certified Signing Time Academy Instructor, and Parker’s business, Signing with Cheryl-Annette, was born. Classes are held in a fun, interactive learning environment at Hobby Lobby in Rockwall. Topics include clothing, “nice words,” transportation, getting ready for bed, food, drinks, pets and family.

“Children can sign before they talk. Together, you can learn more about what your child is thinking and wanting to tell you,” says signingtime.com. “When children’s hands are moving, their minds are learning.”

Children and caregivers learn numerous signs while singing songs, listening to stories, making crafts, doing finger plays, eating snacks and dancing. All the while the child is learning shapes, colors and counting, and developing large and fine motor skills.

Another benefit – signing may reduce tantrums and fussiness as well as parenting stress, as babies start using signs instead of crying or screams. Signingtime.com even reports that teaching babies sign language has been shown to increase IQ by an average of 12 points over non-signing peers; it increases spoken vocabulary and helps children perform better in school.

Visit signingtime.com for sign language DVDs, flashcards, music, classroom curriculum and books. To learn more or to register for classes, email cparker@signingtimeacademy.com.

By Blue Ribbon News special contributor Kristie Smith, a teacher for the blind, who writes about parenting and child development.  She authored a series of novels about a blind girl detective, and has written more than 15 activity books for children with special needs. 

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  babies, cheryl-annette parker, children, Rockwall, sign language, signing time academy