Introduction: Hi, my name is Katie Monson, and I am a certified baby and toddler sign language instructor in the Rochester, New York, and the surrounding areas.
I offer four classes; the descriptions are as follows:
* My Smart Hands -- Level I
These classes run in either 4- or 6-week sessions. In our classes, you will learn over 100 signs to use with your child. Classes are 45 minutes in length and are created for parents or caregivers and babies. In a playful, educational and language-rich environment, caregivers and children will build their American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary through instruction, interactive games and songs.
You will learn the recommended first signs; we will discuss the benefits of using ASL with infants and demonstrate easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life. Some of the ASL vocabulary covered for this age group includes everyday words, family, food, animals, emotions, opposites, bedtime and play signs.
All of our classes include a full-color MSH curriculum book with a CD of the songs we teach. The books have pictures of the signs learned along with descriptions for easy reference long after the class is over!
* My Smart Hands -- Level II
These classes are designed for graduates of My Smart Hands -- Level I class or for infants with basic ASL comprehension. These classes run in either 4- or 6-week sessions. In level II, you will learn over 120 signs to use with your child. Classes are 45 minutes in length. We will review signs learned in My Smart Hands -- Level I and continue to build our signing vocabulary.
Weekly themes covered in class include people, food, animals, emotions, opposites, weather and color signs. All of our classes include a full-color MSH curriculum book. The books have pictures of the signs learned along with descriptions for easy reference long after the class is over!
* Parent/Educator Workshops
These workshops are geared towards busy parents who are unable to take a full 8-week class. Learn how to enrich your child's language development by increasing vocabulary and building self-confidence through the use of American Sign Language (ASL). This workshop is an introduction to the benefits of using ASL with your child.
Children are not only auditory learners; they also learn visually and kinesthetically (touch and experience). Using sign language with your child encompasses all learning styles. Your child will hear you when you say the word; he/she will see you make the sign and will also experience/feel the word as he/she learns to sign.
This workshop is designed for the busy parent; you will learn recommended first signs and easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life. Over 100 signs will be introduced. The fee includes a full-color MSH curriculum book.
* Sign and Sing Classes
Young children are active, creative and spontaneous. They love to sing, listen to music and dance to different songs that have various rhythms and beats. For ages, children have loved to put actions to songs such as "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
In the sing and sign class, we teach the ASL signs that go along with traditional children's songs, as well as learn new modern songs. We will learn how to sign the key words in each song, play games, read books and review signs but more importantly, we will laugh and have fun!
