Sign Language for Little Ones with Judy at Babies and Books

Join Judy Kropf and Mrs. Merry for another 6-week series for littles and their caregivers. Kids 5 and under are invited to learn ASL sign language in a fun way – through song.

REGISTER HERE 

Some benefits of signing with your baby or child:
– Empowers babies to communicate very early in life reducing frustration for parents and babies
– Helps enhance language skills
– Boost for early literacy skills
– Supports fine and gross motor development
– Facilitates communication and connection with caregiver (in case of developmental delays)
– Provides a “secret” communication tool between child and caregiver–very useful especially as the child gets older

Advantages to teaching ASL vs Babysigns:
– Standardized signs for parents, friends, caregivers
-Teaches an actual language versus “home signs” which no one else understands; thus gives a foundation for second language learning
– ASL is the third most commonly used language in the U.S.

ABOUT JUDY
Judy Kropf began studying ASL with her first daughter, Sophie, having heard that using ASL with one’s child before the child can speak can help foster clear communication, reduce tantrums due to frustration, and develop early language skills. After taking a BabyFingers class with Sophie in Manhattan and attending a weekly ASL playgroup in Suffern, Judy attended ASL classes held at New York School for the Deaf (Fanwood) in White Plains, to learn how to use ASL as a proper language. After her second daughter, Dalia, was born, Judy continued to use ASL and English with both her children. Judy took two years of an ASL interpreting program at Dutchess Community College, but she really prefers teaching to interpreting. She taught ASL to children for 5 years at Montrose Childcare Center in Montrose, N.Y., and she has led several series of workshops for parents and children at NECS in Peekskill and Philipstown Recreation Center, as well as teacher workshops at Country Children’s Center in Katonah. She has developed a curriculum for teaching ASL to young hearing children using songs, movement games, stories, and books, all while sharing valuable information with their parents about best practices in signing with young children. Judy holds Sign2Me Certification and incorporates Sign2Me songs and activities in her classes and workshops. She holds a BA in English Linguistics from Hebrew University, is a Qushiyot Fellow for Israel Education, and teaches Hebrew, Judaica, and Israel Education at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton, NY. Judy lives in Garrison with her family and still signs with them.

REGISTER HERE