FREE Baby Sign Language Event for Parents and Infants February 9, 2007

FasTracKids La Mesa to Host Free Baby Sign Language Event for Parents, Caregivers and their Infants


FasTracKids, located at 5268 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa, will host a free FasTrack Signing demonstration for parents and their infants and toddlers on Fri., Feb. 9, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. Expectant and new parents will learn introductory American Sign Language and playtime tips for an understanding of early communication possibilities and expectations.

FasTrack Signing, developed by Signing SmartTM, is designed for parents or caregivers and their hearing infants and toddlers, ages six to 24 months. The classes use play and song to teach little ones how to use their hands to communicate well before verbal skills are developed. Being able to communicate wants, needs and interest without having to wait for the development of the motor skills involved in speaking has several very real and relatively immediate benefits for families, says Sharla Hank, a La Mesa resident who is the class instructor and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Parents typically notice that the use of signs reduces child frustration, miscommunications and resulting tantrums. Signing allows children as young as six months and also as toddlers to tell parents what they are wondering about or that they are hurt or sick. By learning ASL signs, children learn an official language that can help them throughout their lives and also properly communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Older children between the ages of three and eight are welcome, and will participate in a separate FasTracKids Fun Class led by Karnes. In the free FasTracKids Fun Class, kids will play with the Learning Station and participate in fun learning games based on FasTracKids curriculum.

Reservations for the popular signing event are strongly recommended, as seats are limited. Call Center Directors Kathy Garces and Kelly Karnes at 619-465-4860. Schedules and information are also available online at sdenrichmentplace.com.

ABOUT FASTRACKIDS

FasTracKids is an enrichment education center for infants, toddlers and young elementary school age children. Fast-paced and challenging, the activities are designed to hold a young childs attention to build communication and speaking skills, and inspire children to love learning. There are three FasTracKids locations in San Diego County: Encinitas, La Mesa and Tierrasanta, and coming soon to Carmel Valley. For more information, please visit sdenrichmentplace.com.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of lemonadepr.