Baby sign classes
I started Clever Little Handies in 2019 in an effort to get new parents out of the house with their newborns, meeting other parents with babies of a similar age. My youngest was 7 months at that time, and I had been searching for a baby sign class to do with him as it was something I had really enjoyed doing with my older children.
There weren't any baby sign classes near me, so it started with some yoga mums. We had attended a Mum & baby yoga class together and wanted to continue to meet up, the baby sign was a great excuse for that and it grew and continued, and I eventually branched out beyond my home town and by the end of 2019 was delivering classes in several locations.
2020 started with a nomination an award, for Best Business working with the community. Unfortunately I fell ill with pneumonia and was unable to attend the awards ceremony. By March 2020 I had another awards nomination - which was unfortunately cancelled due to covid, along with the classes I had scheduled to deliver
In April 2020 when the Country was in its first lockdown and we were all experiencing homeschooling for the first time. I was asked if I would deliver the classes online and I thought no-way! The classes are about getting out of the house... meeting other people, talking to other adults.
However, by the end of the Summer 2020 it became apparent that parent & baby classes were not returning to normal, at least not in the same capacity. It was clear that parents' socialisation was, and still is, even more necessary, albeit virtually.
In September 2020 I developed an online version of the classes to deliver via zoom. I am acutely aware of how isolating it can feel, becoming a Mum for the first time (and how even more isolating it can feel with subsequent babies). I have always thought of my classes as a mental health break for new parents. It was always about getting parents out meeting others in the same boat, with their babies of a similar age. By providing an online version of this I was able to connect thousands of families.
Over the years, I have received a number of awards and accolades for the business.
I have been committed to continuing my professional development. I have completed the Signature Level 1 award in ISL and gotten a QQI Level 4 in ISL. I’ve completed the Mentors Work Programme, many online classes with the LEO and writing courses.
In 2023 I launched my debut baby sign book, follwed by Incy Wincy Baby Sign board book in 2024 and Happy & you Know it baby sign board book in 2025
FAQs
Does baby sign delay speech? No, infact baby sign has been found to accelerate speech by developing a vocabulary before words can be formed.
Is baby sign the same as ASL? ASL is American Sign Language, BSL is British Sign Language. Clever Little Handies has its foundations in ISL, Irish Sign Language. All three use English as the spoken word but are different sign languages.
Is baby sign good? Yes, it offers some one on one time with your infant. Improving their concentration and imagination.
Does baby sign count as words? By using baby sign in your day to day life with baby, you are providing the tools for them to communicate with you before their mouths have the dexterity to form words.
Does baby sign work? Yes, see vid below.
FAQs continued
Is baby sign the same as BSL? BSL is British Sign Language. Clever Little Handies has its foundations in ISL, Irish Sign Language. Both use English as the spoken word (for the most part) but are different sign languages. BSL, AUS-Lan and NZSL use a two handed manual alphabet, ISL and ASL (among others) use a single handed manual alphabet. So we have more in common with the US than we do with our closest neighbours in the UK!
When can baby sign back? Every infant is different and they can all hit their milestones at different ages and stages. If they can wave, clap and point then they can potentially sign back, so long as they have seen you sign often enough before hand.
What age can baby sign start? You can begin as early as you like, they generally lack the muscle capacity and dexterity in their hands until about 6 months old, but again every baby is different and they will need to have seen you do it for several weeks beforehand.
What's baby sign for more? 2 Letter M’s, one lifts off the back hand of the other.
What's baby sign for hungry? We use Letter E coming to mouth to mimic eating. In baby sign we use one tool to communicate many words; Eat, hungry, food, snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. Are all communicated using the one sign.
What's baby sign for eat? As above
What's baby sign language for finished? Open flat hand drops down past left closed fist. - Used for finished, all gone, last one etc.
