American Sign Language is a fully developed language with its own syntax and grammar. For Deaf children, sign language is key to acquiring language, fostering relationships, establishing a sense of identity. Children who learn ASL and another signed language or spoken language become bilingual. When language is acquired naturally – through daily routines, conversation, play, reading books, singing songs – concepts are more fully understood and the nuances of that language are naturally acquired as well. While it is especially beneficial to have language access and exposure between birth to age three, it is not too late to learn beyond that time, and we encourage students of all ages to join us.
SIGN & SONG
Learn new songs and sing your favorites as you learn signs from ASL to support language development, self-expression, and bilingualism. See the research come to life, as music and sign language both aid in the development of language and literacy; these classes are designed for babies and toddlers who are hearing and Deaf, with and without special needs. Give the gift of communication and bond with your baby at Baby Fingers. Come sing & sign with us! Newborn to 36 months.
ASL PLAYGROUP
This class provides a place for little ones to naturally practice emerging conversation and interactive play through ASL and speech, songs, movement and stories. Take learning to the next level while socializing with Deaf and hearing friends, whether in person or live online, and discover the joy of language. Best for 12 months – 8 years.
ASL STORY*
Story-time with a special emphasis on language and literacy. Join us weekend mornings live online led by one of our Deaf teachers and one of our Interpreters. ALL are welcome, though this program is designed with our Deaf students in mind: Deaf children, children of Deaf adults (CODAs), anyone with a Deaf family member and others fluent in ASL or looking for that immersion opportunity. Best for 6 months – 8 years.
STORY SIGN
This special class focuses on new and familiar storybooks with a unique twist. Discover a whole new way to share books with your child, enhancing the visual component by bringing words and pictures to life with ASL, and sparking an interest in reading. Storybook vocabulary will be reviewed and emphasized further through songs and movement. Spark the imagination, foster creativity and dramatic play through stories and sign. Best for ages 2 – 5 years.
SIGN & STRETCH
Focus on your workout while bonding with your child. Through yoga, songs, and sign language, parents and caregivers will feel rejuvenated while gaining a greater understanding of their baby’s or toddler’s amazing physical development tying together yoga poses with ASL vocabulary. Exercise your brain and body. Baby & Me (newborn – crawlers); Toddler Yoga (walkers – 36 months).
ASL IMMERSION*
Learn to sign at any age! We offer 1:1 or group classes for kids and adults of all ages, hearing or deaf, looking to learn or refresh your ASL. In our immersion program, teachers are Deaf/native ASL users. Become familiar with the Deaf community and culture while learning an incredible 2nd language. If you have a Deaf child or family member, this is a wonderful addition to our signature kids classes. All ages and Adult-only classes.