Babies can do more than cry to make their wishes known to their parents, research has shown.
One innovative way to help babies communicate before they can actually talk is using American Sign Language (ASL).
Starting from just a few months old, babies can be shown how to use sign language to ask to be fed. Soon after that, they can start asking for toys or to be held, just by using their hands.
The Prince George Public Library's Baby Time and Baby Sign program teaches parents and caregivers and their babies how to talk to each other using ASL, in fun and playful 30-minute sessions once per week. Baby Time and Baby Sign runs from 11:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesdays from Nov. 10 to Dec. 8.
It is open for babies up to one year old and their parents and caregivers. To keep the fun and learning focused on babies, parents and caregivers are asked not to bring older children to the program.
Baby Time and Baby Sign is part of the fall session of early literacy programs at the Prince George Public Library. All of the programs are free and drop in; there is no need to register.
For more information on Baby Time and Baby Sign, as well as the other early literacy programs at the Bob Harkins and Nechako branches of the Prince George Public Library, call the children's information desk at 563-9251, ext. 108 or visit the library's website at www.lib.pg.bc.ca.
