Question 1

How does the Chatterbub online course work?

Accepted Answer

Click here now to sign up and you’ll receive your log-in details for our online learning platform and you can get started straight away! The course is self-paced, so you can complete the course in one sitting or when convenient, such as nap times. You can view the videos, guides and printables online and download/print content.

Question 2

Why would I want to learn online? Wouldn’t in-person classes be more effective?

Accepted Answer

We want to ensure that all families have the chance to learn baby sign language and the online Chatterbub course is a great way to do just that. Prior to launching Chatterbub Signing School, I taught families baby sign language in playgroup style classes. The in person classes are a huge amount of fun, but many parents miss out as they can't find a course running at a convenient time or location, creating a real barrier to learning. There are also some great books available on baby sign language, but chances are you’ll have to wait for the resource to arrive. The Chatterbub online course is available immediately. If you are like me, you’ll learn quickly and efficiently via video instruction or visual cues, such as handy reference charts. Our course is accessible via desktop computer, iPad or phone, so learning on the go is possible for busy parents. Whe you sign up to the Chatterbub course, you’ll receive an e-book covering key learnings from the course, plus a wall chart and 10 themed printable posters to help you revise the signs and for other family members and care-givers to learn too. We also provide bonus guides such as sensory play and recipes.

Question 3

Will learning baby sign language cause a speech delay?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Research has proven that babies who learn to sign, often learn to speak earlier than non-signing babies and have larger vocabularies. Families from all over the world attest that baby sign language helps speed up language acquisition and builds confidence too.

Question 4

My baby can hear, why would I teach him/her to sign?"

Accepted Answer

Most normally developing, hearing children, don’t learn to speak until somewhere between 12-18 months which can be really frustrating for both parents and their babies.  Signing will help you figure out what your baby is trying to tell you, as they’ll have more tools  than just crying or pointing. By completing our course, we guarantee more happiness at home. Baby will be happy as you’ve met his/her needs, and you’ll be happier as there will be less crying and frustration! Your baby will be more confident as they can take the lead, and you’ll be more confident as you will be able to understand what they want/need.

Question 5

My baby has started using a few words. Is it too late to learn?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! In the early days when pronunciation isn’t clear, signing provides an extra clue for parents and signing helps babies/toddlers toddlers transition to speech more quickly.

Question 6

When should I start signing?

Accepted Answer

You are AWESOME for wanting to communicate with your baby earlier! There is no right or wrong time to start. Six months is a great age to start implementing baby sign language at home. You may choose to complete our course when pregnant or when your baby is born so you have the knowledge and resources ready. We also have parents of late talkers who join our course, as baby sign language can help toddlers transition to speech and provides many emotional/social benefits.

Question 7

My baby has started using a few words. Is it too late to learn?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! In the early days when pronunciation isn’t clear, signing provides an extra clue for parents and signing helps babies/toddlers transition to speech more quickly.

Question 8

How long will it take my baby to learn to sign?

Accepted Answer

As with sitting, crawling, walking and talking, each baby will develop at their own pace and reach these milestones when they are ready. A general guideline is that if you teach your 6-9 month old, they may get the hang of signing within 4-12 weeks. However, a 14-15 month old is likely to learn to sign back much more quickly, as their motor skills are more developed. The key is consistency, but also choosing the right signs to motivate or spark your little ones interest. You will learn my top strategies for success in our online course.

Question 9

How is baby sign language different to American Sign Language (ASL)?

Accepted Answer

American Sign Language (ASL) is the official language of the deaf in North America and the most widely used sign language in the world. ASL a real language with sentence structure and grammar.

Baby sign language is used by babies/toddlers before they can speak, specifically to communicate a need or request or even to share what they see and want to talk about. But rather than signing full sentences with grammar, just one sign, or sometimes two signs are used. The Chatterbub course currently features American Sign Language (ASL) signs, but we do hope to launch an AUSLAN version later this year.

Question 10

Will baby sign language confuse my bi-lingual baby?

Accepted Answer

If your baby is lucky enough to be growing up in a bi-lingual household, then baby sign language will be a great help. It will bridge the gap between the two languages and help your baby understand, and be understood, more quickly. Fact!

Question 11

How should I start teaching my baby to sign?

Accepted Answer

If you Google 'baby sign language', you’ll find a stack of resources. But you’ll need to spend a long time trawling through many websites to find all the information you need to successfully sign with your baby. There is so much more to signing than just learning the vocabulary!  Often parents miss a few key principles such as how to sign and which signs to pick and they’ll sign with their babies for many months with no response. Or worse still, actually completely miss their baby signing back. This is so frustrating for everyone. The Chatterbub course will equip you with the tools and techniques to ensure signing success. And you'll have fun! Click here to sign up for my step-by-step guide.