Using sign language with babies gives them massive advantages in language learning! My mum (who is a Dr of Psychology...not just "my mum!") synthesized the research for me a wee while ago. Here's 19 reasons to use NZSL with your baby!
I'm going to take a leap and share something from my heart. I often share our NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) journey with Hope as a baby and toddler but we actually used NZSL for the first time when our precious second daughter, Tara, lost her ability to speak becau...
2018 has been pretty exciting so far! Growing PēpiRima (Baby #5!) and creating my other "baby," my board book series called "Kōrero Mai - Speak to Me." Sharing my love of New Zealand's languages is so close to my heart. Connecting with little people in Te Reo Māori, N...
Having a communicative baby can be hilarious! Hope is 20 months now and knowing what she is thinking blows my mind. Being our 4th, but only one we've made a real effort to use sign language with, you'd think I'd have some idea of just how much goes on in a little head...
Baby Hope uses New Zealand Sign Language to chat away with me and when people see this they often ask, "will using sign language slow down her speaking?" I'm so stoked that the research backs me up when I respond that the opposite is in fact true! Babies who use s...
I am Pākehā, and I'm learning Te Reo Māori alongside my children to walk the talk of inclusiveness and building a better New Zealand. Language is the basis for connection. Te Reo Māori was the first spoken language of Aotearoa. It is a beautiful language that connects...
Babies communicate from day one, how they develop their communication skills is up to us. Ideally, they will learn that we are listening to their little efforts, or they'll MAKE you listen by screaming and crying, or worse still they'll simply stop trying to get you to...
