Dear Suzanne and Tracy,
I must tell you this because I got really excited (as did my parents-in-law and husband) – Alexander clearly gave his first sign yesterday! To be honest I’d been struggling to keep up the signing without the weekly classes to remind me, but I’m persevering. Going back to work full time I don’t have the chance to keep the classes going, so I need to persevere on my own, and was about to give up – when it suddenly happened. 
 
Interestingly it coincided with him learning to clap – something he did for the first time two days ago. He also learned to crawl and pull himself up within the last fortnight too, so it’s been incredible development!
 
So, what was his first word? Well – I’m a professional “optical radiation measurement” scientist: I have a PhD in lightbulbs, and his Dad also works in the same group and has a huge number of bright torches, so are we surprised that his first “word” was “Light”?!
 
He was opening and closing his hand with his arm outstretched while looking up at the light bulbs. When we turned the light on when he did it, he got really excited and repeated this almost-sign over and over. We’re giving him lots of praise (and lightbulbs) and signing back the “more correct“ version. Time now to teach his Dad some vocabulary and work on a few more signs. I’m really excited!

Emma with Alexander (11 months)

My 21 month old son and I discovered Singing Hands over a year ago and it remains one of the highlights of our week. As a baby, he was mesmerised by the signing, songs and activity. Now he just can’t wait to throw himself into the middle of the room with all the other children to sing, sign and dance along to all his favourite tunes. Suzanne and Tracy have certainly helped him find his voice and it is a joy to hear him practicing the songs he has come to know and love, every single day.  See you on Tuesday!

Juliet with Joseph (21m and new baby Olivia)

Dear Tracy and Suzanne
Thank you very much for all the great Tuesday mornings we spent with you this year. We will think about you every time we sing and sign the songs we have learnt from you. We would have loved to continue but Elsa is starting nursery….hopefully I can return with a new baby very soon! Thank you again.

Orsolya and Elsa (2)

Dear Suzanne and Tracy
Thank you so much for all the fantastic Singing Hands sessions over the last 4 years! Megan and Tommy have both loved doing Singing Hands and I’m sure we’ll continue to sign and sing forever now! I’m sure we’ll see you at libraries/playgroups/nurseries/schools again in the future….we just wanted to say THANKYOU!

Annie with Megan (5) and Tommy (3)

I am so ‘proud’ to have been a part of the Singing Hands phenomenon… why else would I want to subscribe to it with all my children? It’s so addictive, it’s so ace.  

Congratulations to you both for kick starting an amazing project and for all your hard work for making it work, as much for us parents as for our children. Long may it continue.

Best Wishes and continued success. Happy New Year!

Barbara, Henry (4), Rosie (2) and Zoe (1)

Just writing to say a huge thank you to you both for giving Carys and myself the opportunity to have so much fun in your baby signing classes, which we both then practice with my older children (and husband) at home. I have always sung quite a lot around the house, but adding signing to it has meant that Carys has been able to communicate with me so much easier. If she gets stuck she can think of the sign even if the word is too hard to say. So many people comment on how well she can speak and I have to say I think a large part of this is down to signing giving her confidence.

We were both so glad when your CDs came out as now we can play music without skipping through half the tracks because we don’t like them, and I have a reference book to check any signs I have forgotten.

 For my older children it is great fun for them to sign from across the playground or the end of the garden without having to shout, and now that we have the CDs and books at home they can also continue to learn more. My youngest son uses some Makaton at school, and loves the opportunity to show how much he knows.  So keep up the brilliant work Singing Hands. We love it!

Jackie with Carys (21 months)

Singing Hands gave my son and I a special gift: it has provided us with hours of fun, but it also gave my song the confidence to start talking, knowing he could be understood, even if the words didn’t come out quite right just yet!

Tamsin with James (2)

Singing Hands gave my son and I a special gift: it has provided us
with hours of fun, but it also gave my son the confidence to start
talking, knowing he could still be understood, even if the words
didn’t come out quite right just yet!

“Your sessions worked really well with babies’ abilities. Could happily have sat and sung with you ALL DAY! Great fun. Keep up the good work”.

“I have been amazed at how engaged the babies are when you start singing. They stop what they are doing and seem mesmerised by your hands moving around. I’ve been to lots of other music groups but this is streets ahead of them – the children seem to connect with what you do – they love the animals from your bag (the tweeting birds, the quacking duck etc); they point at the symbols when you show them; they enjoy the games you’ve played with them; and most importantly have responded to your encouragement! So many have been clapping and waving their hands about in imitation of what you are doing. We’ve had a great time and can’t wait to do more!”

“Even better than anticipated! My daughter was SO interested in what was going on – we will be coming back next term. Your choice of vocabulary was excellent and covered all the things I might need – nappy time, bath time, play time, animals and so much more. I can’t wait till she does her first sign!”

“Your choice of songs was great and they were mostly new to me. All the signs were explained really well and were really relevant to a young baby. I have recommended the course to friends already! We enjoyed it so much that I have booked another course. Am one of your biggest fans. Thank you both so much!!”

“Even more fun than you described! Can’t wait to come back. I’ve really enjoyed the learning the signs myself – I felt like I got my brain going for the first time in a while!”

“I’ve had lots of fun and learnt useful signs to meet my baby’s needs – the course MORE than met my expectations. All the signs were clearly explained and the hand-outs were great. The games and stories gave us some great tips on how to introduce signs at home. Your course offers just the right number of classes and the right length of time – we’ve REALLY enjoyed our term with you”

“Your course more than met my expectations – it was informal, friendly and you are both such enthusiastic, supportive teachers. There was lots of fun for the babies with plenty of jolly, hearty singing!! I really look forward to this class every week. Thanks a lot – we look forward to re-joining in January!”