Class to teach basic sign language to parents, child

Staff report

Youngstown

There will be an interactive class where you and your baby learn basic sign language to communicate and encourage speech development.

American Sign Language is taught, not gestures.

Classes are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Montessori School of Mahoning Valley, Lynn Street.

Research shows that babies who sign at an early age have a larger vocabu-lary, higher IQ and reduced temper tantrums, as they can communicate their needs and wants before they learn how to speak.

With music, books and fun activities, you and your child will begin to communicate on a whole, new level.

The class is geared for children age 6 months to 2 years.

The $50 cost of the four-week session includes a sign-language resource folder. Each sign is clearly printed and explained.

The resources are new and improved from previous classes. Space is limited. Payment in advance will reserve your spot.

Instructors are Barbara Ricks, speech-language pathologist, and Karen Steed, deaf educator, licensed sign- language interpreter.

For more information or to answer questions, contact Ricks at 330-540-1025 or Steed at ksteed@zoominternet.net.