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>> Susan: My name is Dr. Susan Goodwyn.
>> Linda: And I’m Dr. Linda Acredolo—and this is our friend BeeBo the Baby Signs Bear,
our partner in helping teach babies to use signs so they can tell us what’s on their
minds before they can talk. As you can see, BeeBo is ready to travel. Where’s he going?
Well, with your help, we’re going to build a scholarship fund so that we can provide
our Baby Signs workshops, play classes, and trainings to groups around the country who
otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy the many proven benefits of the Baby Signs Program.
Groups like early Head Start, Teen parent and foster parent programs, families from
military bases and other under-served populations.
>> Susan: Since many of you may already be familiar with the amazing benefits of the
Baby Signs Program, you may want to help fund a scholarship right now! That is great! Go
ahead and check out the list of goods that you receive when you help fund the scholarship
project. If you want to know more or if you still aren't convinced that signing with babies
is changing lives then stick around and learn more!
[Music] Wouldn’t it be wonderful if infants and
toddlers could communicate to us without resorting to tears? Until babies can talk they are literally
at a loss for words to tell us what is on their mind. For simple signs like “eat”,
“more”, and “all done,” the baby signs program helps babies communicate what they
see, what they need, and even how they feel. Helping families around the world experience
the benefits that truly make a difference in the lives of babies.
How do we know signing is good for babies? Child development experts Dr. Linda Acredolo
and Dr. Susan Goodwyn at the University of California have spent over 20 years studying
the effects of signing on an infant’s development. Funded by the National Institutes of Health,
their research has shown positive benefits for both language and cognitive development.
For example, they found that three year olds that signed as babies were talking on average
like 4 year olds. And at age 8 those same children scored significantly higher on IQ
tests then children who had not signed - a full 12 points higher.
The Baby Signs® program has brought the benefits of signing with babies to millions of families
around the world, benefits such as reducing frustration. When babies can communicate parents
don’t have to really guess what their babies want. The result is less frustration for everyone,
making family life easier and happier.
• Helping babies learn to talk: contrary to the popular belief that signing slows a
baby’s language development, research shows that it actually helps babies to talk sooner.
• Decreasing aggressive behavior: whether at home or at child care, singing helps babies
express their feelings without biting, hitting, or pushing.
• Increasing respect for babies: Parents are constantly amazed at how smart their babies
are. With signs babies can tell their parents what they see, what they’re thinking, and
even what they remember, giving parents an incredible window into their baby’s mind.
• And promoting early literacy: Book reading is a special time, when babies can signs along
it increases their love for books and is an important foundation for learning how to read.
Comments such as these come as no surprise to Doctors Acredolo and Goodwyn. In fact in
2003 they formed the Baby Signs Institute to continue the supported research on the
effect of signing on hearing babies. The institute also certifies a network of instructors around
the world to teach the Baby Signs® Program through classes, workshops and training.
The Baby Signs® Parent Workshop. In this 90 minute introductory class parents learn
all about the benefits of signing, which signs are the most useful, and how to get started.
Sign, Say, and Play Classes. Designed specially for parents and babies to attend together
these 6 week sessions teach 73 important signs through fun songs, books, and activities.
And now the baby signs institute supports child development professionals through the
Baby Signs® Early Childhood Educator Training. The goal of this program is to help child
care programs of any size begin enjoying the benefits that come with signing in the class
room. Benefits such as reducing frustration, decreasing aggressive behavior, and helping
teachers become more observant and responsible to children’s needs.
The original Baby Signs® program remains the worlds leading sign language program for
hearing babies. Why? Because it is the only program that:
• has been tested through scientific research, • was developed specifically for hearing
babies, • was created by child development experts,
• provides flexibility to meet the needs of any family,
• and has a full range of signing resources for babies, parents, and child care centers.
Bring the joys of the baby signs program to the babies in your life.
>> Susan: Now that you know more about the Baby Signs Program, we hope you’ll be willing
to help us build a fund to provide full or partial scholarships to agencies, teachers,
and families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to benefit from our trainings and resources.
>> Linda: We will be very grateful for any contribution. And we want to share our resources
with you in return. Take a look at the various levels of contributions and the type of Goods
we are giving in thanks. We appreciate your watching our video and, if you are not able
to contribute monetarily at this time, you can still help by telling your family and
friends about the Baby Signs Program.
>> Linda and Susan: Happy Signing!