March 20, 2006

Sign of the Times

Ever since the 2002 publication of Baby Signs by San Francisco-based Dr. Linda Acredolo, teaching babies words through gestures has become increasingly popular. If you've always been curious about signing and wondered how it could help your baby develop language skills earlier, look no further. Andrea Fixell and Ted Stafford founders of the popular Park Slope class Sign-a-Song, have cooked up some zany chemistry and original songs on their new CD, My Bed Is an Airplane...and Other Excuses, their second release.

And you don't have to know how to sign to enjoy such class favorites as Sing and Sign, Hello There and Little Kangaroo. The duo's on-target vocal harmonies, foot-tapping rhythms and full-band arrangements will be a hit with everyone no matter what they're doing with their hands.

But should you decide to take on a new language, you might be interested in knowing that studies indicate that babies can comprehend sign language as early as six months old. By eight months, they have developed the necessary motor skills to sign themselves. An early introduction to sign language can help alleviate frustration and increase vocabulary.

Fixell received her Masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in Deaf Education. She has been a teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students at private and public New York City schools. Ted Stafford is a musician and songwriter. You can catch them firsthand at a free class to celebrate the release of their new CD.

Sign-a-Song? Sign up!

Sign-a-Song
When: Tuesday, March 21, 12:30-1:30pm; Free.
Where: The Neighborhood Playspace, 326 Clinton St. (Kane & Clinton), 718-832-8060. CD available online at cdbaby.com.

Still not getting the inside scoop?
Sign up for UrbanBaby Daily, your dose of hip info on where to shop, play, eat, travel and have fun with your kids. It's Free!

Friday's UrbanBaby Daily: Shoes Shine

Recently Discussed on UrbanBaby Message Boards: "What do you do at the gym? I am bored with the treadmill."

Interested in advertising? Email info@urbanbaby.com

Subscribe to UrbanBaby Daily | Unable to read email?

Sunday Family Programs at The Jewish Museum

Concert
Brady Rymer
Sunday, March 26 at 2 pm
Celebrate springtime with this award-winning kiddie-rocker. Hear tunes from Brady's hit albums along with his upcoming release, Everyday is a Birthday, and enjoy a springtime sing-along! Ages 2 to 6.

Concert
David Grover and the Big Bear Band
Sunday, April 9 at 2 PM
Dance and sing along with this folk band's tribute to the spring holiday of Passover. Ages 3 to 8.

For info and tickets: 212-423-3337 or
www.thejewishmuseum.org.