Baby Sign Language Made Simple

Finding a Business Opportunity

If you cannot find a local baby signing class, beginning one may be a great business opportunity for you. According to Jennifer Quigley, a Sign with your Baby and Sign 2 Me certified instructor, presenters tend to be teachers, interpreters, and speech language pathologists, as well as everyday moms with an interest in signing. A certain background is not essential to teach, but you will want to take a course in ASL 1 and/or 2 to prepare yourself for the parents who want to know more than the basic signs. Also, some of the programs available will provide training materials that can help you on your way.

Quigley finds that the best part about being a presenter has been the excitement she feels when parents share "signing moments" when their child has mastered her first sign or a new sign. The hardest part for her is that although running a class offers more flexibility than many conventional jobs, there is still time-management stress when you balance the responsibilities with motherhood. Quigley found that once she taught a class and learned how to get set-up and organized ahead of time, everything ran more smoothly.

If you are interested in teaching baby signing, there are many companies out there to investigate, including Sign2Me, Tiny Fingers, and Signing Smart to name a few. (Be sure to ask about training requirements and the cost for a starter kit.) Presenting a sign language class to local parents may become a fulfilling part-time job that enhances your life and your pocketbook.

Finding the "Peace Sign"

Frustrated infants yell; frustrated toddlers bite, pinch and hit; and frustrated parents need some peace! Baby signing may be the path to a calmer parent-child relationship by providing smoother communication during your child's first few years.