The accompanying programme of Heartbeat Hears the Beat, the 1st International Dance Festival of the Deaf, also features a baby sign language workshop.
The workshop kindly welcomes all mothers with babies and toddlers, as well as anyone interested in sign language!
Studies have proven that early contact with sign language can have very positive effects for babies or toddlers. Behavioural issues in babies or toddlers who have been introduced to sing language are less likely to occur as sign language allows for more efficient communication between the toddler and the mother, thus enabling the toddler to express his needs faster and more efficiently. Positive effects have also been proven in regards to speech development, as speaking abilities tend to develop quicker, which results in a more extensive vocabulary and, when compared to their peers, the ability to form more complex sentences. A stimulating language environment also shows long-term positive effects, as a higher level of language competence often results in rapid and extensive mental development. Sign language is no longer a language employed exclusively by the hearing impaired, but rather an efficient language tool for non-hearing impaired toddlers.
