Why sign with your baby or toddler?

Communication is much more complex than just using words. We naturally use gesture, intonation and facial expressions to add meaning to the words we say. Signing is just an extension of this natural communication and it gives babies and toddlers a way to communicate with you before they can say words. Signing can help us bond and tune into our little ones, and research has even shown that it has benefits for cognitive and emotional development!

First 100 signs

Access our pre-recorded teaching videos, expert advice, handouts and interactive quizes to get your little one signing!

Buy Now

Feel confident in knowing where to start, and how to move on

  • We'll show you what signs to teach first and why

  • We'll show you how to teach signs through every-day activities

  • Have access to a photo and video library of signs that you can check back on, whenever you need

What are people saying about the course?

“What fabulous presenters! The content is so carefully thought out, clear and accessible. The range of activities kept me engaged and facilitated learning of the signs. The handouts are really useful for transferring what we learn into the home and the communication stages help explain how to best support children where they currently are.”

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Katie Kennedy

“This signing course is perfect for any new parents. It is clearly explained and the videos and descriptions make it easy to follow. It breaks down signs into categories so you can pick and choose signs appropriate for your child's age and vocabulary. I would recommend it to any parent to encourage early communication with your child”

Specialist Children's Physiotherapist

Lucy Pearson

Start signing today!

You can access the course as soon as you set up your learner account and purchase!

Course curriculum

We've got you covered, from an intro to communication skills, to three dedicated modules for each stage of your little one's early communication. We'll give you tips and advice as well as show you how to sign!

  1. 01

    • Welcome!

    • Communication stages

    • Make a note... What's your child's communication stage?

    • What does Communication Involve?

    • First 100 Signs
  2. 02

    • Top tips for getting started with early communicators

    • Core signs for early communicators

    • Let's practice- match the sign to the word

    • Build momentum and keep track
  3. 03

    • Top tips for signing with 'single word users'

    • Let's Sign- Clothes

    • Let's Sign- Meal Times

    • Let's Sign- Playtime

    • Let's Sign- Animals

    • Let's Sign- Vehicles

    • Let's Sign- Instructions

    • Let's Sign- Objects

    • Let's Sign- Actions

    • Let's practice
  4. 04

    • Top tips for expanding with 'word combiners'

    • Let's Sign- Feelings

    • Let's Sign- Weather

    • Let's Sign- Social Words

    • Let's Sign- Describing Words

    • Let's Sign- Other Requests

    • Let's Sign- People Words

    • Let's practice in sentences and songs

    • Let's make sentences & Signs manual

    • Your feedback

    • You're at the end!
  5. 05

    • Natural Gestures

    • BSL Alphabet Information

    • BSL alphabet

Bonus material

  • Gestures bonus

    Information on gestures and their importance in communication. You'll have access to a free poster and handout on the first 16 gestures which develop!

  • Your signs requests

    Every month, we'll also be taking your requests for signs not already covered in the course, uploading new videos for you to refer back to.

  • Members area

    Plus you'll have access to a members only community to link in with other parents and carers learning signs with their little ones too!

FAQ

  • Will signing delay my child's language?

    No! There is no research that using signs with children will delay their speaking. If and when they can speak, they will! Children will have the motor skills needed for signing before they can speak, so it gives children a way of communicating early on, reducing frustrations and creating confidence around communicating.

  • What type of signs do you teach on the course?

    Our signs are based on British Sign Language (BSL). Some signs have been adapted slightly to make them easier for little hands to sign.

  • So am I teaching my child British Sign Language?

    While you are teaching your little one important key words to communicate, you are not teaching them a 'sign language'. British Sign Language or any other sign languages are languages in their own right, with their own set of rules and grammar which we will not be covering on this course.

Hello!

Who are we?

We're Laura and Charmaine, specialist speech and language therapists who have almost 20 years of experience between us in supporting families, educational staff and children to develop their communication and interaction skills. We have seen the benefits of baby and toddler signing first hand and have used them with both of our own little ones!

Additional products