TinyTalk Surbiton, Chessington and Molesey

they are just bursting full of things they want to tell you. This is where baby signing with TinyTalk can help. The TinyTalk programme uses simple signs and gestures based on BSL (British Sign Language) to enable babies to communicate their needs, feelings and focus of attention before they are able to speak. Classes are suitable from 0-24 months. I now also offer Toddler Talk classes, suitable from 18m/2years up to preschool age (approx 3.5years). These classes follow the same fun pattern as Baby Signing classes, but also focus on speech, confidence and social skills. Classes are relaxed, welcoming and non-judgmental environments.

We started signing with our eldest daughter from the age of 6 months when we lived in Durham. She quickly understood the sign for milk and her face would light up and her little legs would wave around excitedly, knowing what was coming! When she was 11 months we moved to Chessington and started classes with TinyTalk in Epsom, as a way to meet new people and make friends. Learning signs was just a bonus! Alice adored the classes and they became the highlight of our week. We both loved how interactive they were, incorporating well known nursery rhymes with actions, signs and sensory play.

I noticed Alice was not communicating verbally by the age of 18m and we were referred to Speech & Language services at age 2. Our Speech Therapist was so pleased that we had given our daughter another way to communicate, and confirmed that signing had not caused her speech delay - a common misconception. It had in fact allowed her to have a 'voice' - to tell us all the things she was seeing, thinking and feeling, reducing the frustration of not being able to talk. We were right to continue signing, and were so thankful for our time at TinyTalk. This is why I became a TinyTalk teacher.

TinyTalk classes are fun and interactive. We spend the first half of the session learning signs linked to a topic or theme. This is done in a relaxed way through songs, rhymes and sensory activities; all chosen to support your baby's non-verbal skills to aid their communication. The second half of the session is time for the babies to play, explore and build relationships while you grab a hot drink, a biscuit (or two!) and have some adult conversations.

💜Steph💜