Parents: Have You Tried Using Sign Language with Your Baby?
Take a look at some of the benefits:
- Give babies the ability to express themselves before they can speak.
- Accelerate baby's development of speech.
- Relieve anxiety about baby's needs.
- Enhance baby's early literacy skills
- Ads visual and kinesthetic emphasis to auditory input.
- Lower noise levels and aggressive behaviors in childcare settings.
- Help babies better communicate their needs.
- Reduce crying and frustration.
Local non-profit
The Freedman Center at MSPP has a new
Baby Sign Language Class starting next week on Monday, March 31 at 10:30-11:15am at MSPP, One Wells Ave, Newton. We also have several other great programs coming up this spring. Check out the list below.
The Richard I. and Joan L. Freedman Center for Child and Family Development was established at The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) to help connect children and families with appropriate information, providers, resources, and one another to serve their mental health and wellness needs.
Baby Sign Language "Signs of Communication"
Designed for Babies from 2 months to pre-walking with parent/caregiver. This early sign language course introduces up to 100 American Sign Language signs that serve to help babies better communicate their needs while reducing both crying & frustration. 5-week series will: Demonstrate the benefits and research behind using sign language as an early form of communication, Teach parent or caregiver how to teach baby to sign, and Provide modeling of proper signing by the facilitator with each pair. The next 5-week series begins Mar 31 @ 10:30-11:15am at The Freedman Center at MSPP, One Wells Avenue (Ground Floor), Newton MA 02459. Free Parking. Class fee $100/5-weeks, register online at
http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/signs.php.
Infant Massage "Blissful Baby"
Designed for Babies from birth to pre-crawling with parent/caregiver. This in-depth course will teach parents and caregivers multiple techniques to calm and soothe their baby and strengthen bonds through touch. This 5-week series will: Demonstrate more than 50 massage strokes, Teach skills for soothing colic and crying, and Discuss the importance of bonding through touch. The next 5-week series begins Mar 31 @ 11:45am-12:30pm at The Freedman Center at MSPP, One Wells Avenue (Ground Floor), Newton MA 02459. Free Parking. Class fee $100/5-weeks, register online at
http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/massage.php.
Infant Sleep Workshop "Sleep, Baby, Sleep"
For parents and caregivers of infants ages 4-15 months old. During this session, participants will gain an understanding of how biology, environment and an infant's stage of development can impact sleep. This workshop will provide guidance and reassurance for parents who are wondering, "How can I help my baby sleep better?" The workshop will be Wed April 30 @ 7:00-8:30pm at The Freedman Center at MSPP, One Wells Avenue (Ground Floor), Newton MA 02459. Free Parking. Class fee $30/person, register online at
http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/sleep.php.
Free Thursday Playtime
Reconnect with old friends - and make new ones! Your child and a care-giver, are invited to join us for a fun, free, PLAYTIME! This is a great opportunity to play in a friendly, nurturing environment. The Playtime will feature weekly themes, related parent tips, and fun for children.
*SPACE IS LIMITED and admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis.- Infant Only Playtime (0-12 mos) Thursdays @ 10:30am-12:00pm
- Mixed Ages (0 - 3 yrs 11 mos) Thursdays @ 2:30-4:00pm
- Read more...
Free New Babies/New Moms Support Groups
Bring your infant and meet other new mothers! Groups for first-time moms with babies up to 6 months, a 6-week daytime series. Each group meets with a professional facilitator and provides a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, make new friends, and get some support. Discuss developmental issues, expectations of oneself as a new mom, changing relationships with family members, child care options, and much more. The next two 6-week series begins Wed May 14 or Thurs May 20 at 10:30am-12:00pm at The Freedman Center at MSPP, One Wells Avenue (Ground Floor), Newton MA 02459. Free Parking. Pre-registration required at
http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/nbnm.php.
