WAHM Forums

Hi!
I currently work part-time outside of the home and I co-own a
photography business with my husband. Our photography business is
fairly new (about a year old) and it's doing quite well, but I still have to
work part-time until business picks up a little more. I've tried Discovery
Toys in the past but I didn't do very well with it. I have been looking at
other work at home opportunities and I ran across a website for teaching
baby sign language classes. I think the company was called Kindersigns. I
have not been able to find very many people who are with this company
or a similiar one. Is there anyone here who teaches baby sign language? I
know baby sign language is becoming more popular so I think it could be
fairly profitable. Anyway, I was just hoping someone here had more
information for me. I live in Washington state by the way.

Hi Mom2Jessa!


I just wanted to welcome you to the boards. There are so many fabulous, smart women here, I'm sure someone will be able to help.


From personal experience, I taught baby sign language to both of my kids. It was fabulous, really opened up communication where otherwise there would have been none! I think people would be interested in such a class, and you could probably hook up with a local YMCA or daycares and start from there.


Good luck!


smileys/smiley1.gif

I have a friend who teaches baby sign language classes and she does quite well. The company she is with is called "Signing Smart".


www.signingsmart.com (http://www.signingsmart.com)

Our local kindermusik offers baby sign. If you want I can get you their website.

There are a few out there! I had looked into getting certified, but Discovery Toys carries a baby sign book set that I found to be user friendly and easy to teach! So I began offering Baby Sign classes through DT. I'd have hostesses do workshops, did some at community colleges, and even am working with my Kindermusik teacher to offer them at her place. If you are still active (have placed an order in the last year), this may be an inexpensive option for you to make some extra money and a great way to market your toys. smileys/smiley36.gif


Follow your heart, look at all the companies out there, there are at least 3, and go with the one that you feel good about.


Best of luck!


Debbie


Let me help you follow your passion!
Coaching with Heart! (http://familytoys-ivil.tripod.com/coachingwithheart/)

Do a search here, as there have a been a few posts asking about this. Here are a few:
<a href="http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=143147" target="_blank">
http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=143147</a>
<a href="http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41274" target="_blank">
http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41274</a>
<a href="http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41210" target="_blank">
http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41210</a>
<a href="http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4869" target="_blank">
http://www.wahm.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4869</a>



I'm a presenter with Sign2Me (http://www.sign2me.com) and am happy to answer any questions you have!


Edited by: cafewed

I'm actually hoping to become a presenter with the Sign2Me network in
the next few months. If you decide to move ahead, you'll want to
decide whether you want to teach something like the "Baby Signs"
program which are often "made up" signs that you develop with your
child, or something like Sign2Me, which is American Sign
Language. I have strong opinions about this topic, but I do think
it's an individual decision so I won't get into it here.



Good luck!



=},

Christy

Very good point Christy!


Most of the Baby Sign courses are actually based 90% on ASL, so do check that. What they do is change, or alter the signs that are more difficult to do, but they are very close. I went through the signs one day to double check and only 2 of the ones I know were different.


What happens when a baby signs is they often make up their own sign anyway. It's very cute and fun to catch on!


However, many in the ASL community do not like Baby Sign.


If you are teaching to teach sign and including older kids, I'd do 100% ASL across the board so the older kids pick up the signs correct.


Best of luck!


Debbie

Mom2Jessa
I do know a gal in Bremerton Wa that does this, http://www.hearthehands.com/


BTW where about in Wa are you? I'm in Port Orchard Wa


~Cinnamon~Edited by: cinnamonmomof3

Debbie's right, of course. Most programs are primarily based on
ASL, but it's kind of like the difference between speaking clearly to
your child, even though they can't say the words, and mimicking their
baby talk (saying "nana" rather than "banana" for example) because
that's what they can replicate easily. Many of the programs
encourage you to make up signs during "teachable moments" with the idea
that they tend to be easier for a baby to mimic, but also easier for
you to remember. The downside is that if you're making up signs
(even loosely based on ASL), you no longer have a consistent language
that others can learn independently. And, of course, your child
does not have the opportunity to learn ASL. =}



There is no right or wrong answer. It's a matter of
personal preference and educational philosophy. I only brought it
up because a lot of people don't realize there's a difference until
after they've "bought into" a way of doing things.



Christy