FOR those who wanted to learn the art of effective communication with their baby, finding out if they were hungry, wished to pacify their tantrums or even share a joke, then Tavistock library was the place to be on Tuesday. Mums and babies were invited along to a free session of 'babysigning' to find out more about this technique, learn some signs and have a go through reading stories, singing songs and play. The session was taken by Babysigner teacher Lisa Townsend, who has taught the communication to her own daughter Lily, who is now 15 months old. Lisa, 28, told the Times: 'By 10 months Lily could tell us when she wanted something to eat or drink, more, tired and when she saw her favourite animals, duck and horse — all by using signs, as she was not yet able to say these words. 'Now she is 15 months and signs more than 60 signs, which help all the family to communicate with her and help relieve her frustration.' Lisa said the technique came from America around four to five years ago. 'As early as six months, your baby knows what he wants – and he'd tell you too if only he could talk – but he's going to have to wait another six months or so before his vocal chords have developed enough to speak and a year or more before he can tackle more complex words,' said Lisa. 'A year is an awfully long time when you're a baby! No wonder he gets frustrated! That's where sign language comes in and we use a version called British Sign Language.' Lisa said baby signing was for all little ones. 'All babies and toddlers, including those who have speech delays, learning disabilities or are deaf can benefit from learning baby signs.' Lisa runs a class in Tavistock every Monday and can be contacted on 01579 342545.
