Baby Signing with Sign2Music

Our new CD Songs for Movers, Coming Soon!

2012-02-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

Our Sign2Music Vol.1 CD was released a number of years ago after parents asked me for a CD to use at home with songs from our classes. I had written a lot of songs for various topics for Sign2Music classes and was surprised at how everyone loved songs like Daisy Doggy and Little One it's Time for Bed. I was lucky to be friends with an amazing musician who wrote backing tracks for all the songs I needed. She even wrote the backing tracks for 'Little Daisy Doggy' after I sang it into her answering machine!

I just can't believe how popular the CD has become and the fab reviews I received from Vivien Sabel (Baby Communication Expert and Author) and Elizabeth James (Founder of Jellybeans Music and Music Bags). We have even had agreement to sell it in a NI retail outlet soon!

It is a great accompaniment to our classes, particularly for those attending wrigglers classes as we sing every single one of the 26 songs during the term.

I will never forget the day I recorded it....Traipsing up to the recording studio armed with tissues, as I had a stinking cold. Then being escorted to the recording suite, feeling like I was a 'proper musician'. I felt a bit stupid though when I got the big headphones on and stood in front of the mike with the techno guy outside mixing and doing his stuff, particularly when I started belting out 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'. I bet I was the talk of that studio for a long time. I will never forget the techno guy's face when I started singing 'Little baby isn't happy, 'cos he has a dirty nappy'!.... He looked like he expected someone to jump out and say 'ha! ha! Gotcha....at any stage!

We do also have another programme, Movers Classes, for older toddlers. For this programme I wrote many new songs, including themed songs like 'I Like Playing with My Toys', 'What's the Weather Like Today' and a few new parachute songs, because of course Daisy Doggy not only loves to hear the music, she loves to play with the parachute too!

For a couple of years now I have been promising to produce a second CD and this Thurs I am taking the first step to keeping that promise! I am going to be on a tight schedule with 3 hrs to record 26 tracks, with.....a cold again!!! I have been told that I sounded like one of the Smurfs on the first CD, so I think it is fitting that I have a cold again to keep with the Smurfy theme, lol!

I am very excited about this CD as I know the content is good, even if I do say so myself!

It will include themed songs from the classes for topics like Animals, Opposites, Transport, Playtime, Manners and Behaviour.
There will also be some well known favourites including Little Peter Rabbit, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Row your Boat and 5 Little Ducks.
This CD will include a big favourite from our classes 'My Hands Can Clap Like This', recorded with permission from Dawn Errington (Signing Tots).
A new song will also debut on the CD that even the Sign2Music teachers haven't heard yet - Clap Your Hands, Just Like Signing Sandy. This is an adaptation of one of the songs recorded by Rowena (Rhythm Express) who does our backing tracks!

Roll on Thursday.........

Nominated for Top 25 Moms with Inspiring Families - 2012 list on Circle of Moms!

2012-02-19T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am quite new to the world of blogging and have been a bit naughty recently, not posting as often as I should!

Therefore I was surprised but delighted to receive an e-mail today saying:
"Hi Deirdre, Your blog Baby Signing with Sign2Music has been nominated to the Top 25 Moms with Inspiring Families - 2012 list on Circle of Moms!"

Time to up my game, blogwise, I think! Time to start updating this blog and newsletter more regulalry!

In the meantime I you want to give the Sign2Music blog your vote do so by clicking this link.

Vote for this Blog in Top25 Moms with Inspiring Families.

You can vote for this blog once a day until March 7, 2012.

Thanks all. See you again soon!

Deirdre :)

Do you have what it takes to join the Sign2Music crew?

2012-02-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

Interest in baby signing is steadily increasing throughout

Northern Ireland

. As

Northern Ireland

's own baby signing company, Sign2Music is at the forefront of this interest!

The word is spreading too about the quality of our classes, parties, workshops and sessions in nurseries, schools and preschools. We have had a lot of press coverage (local Newspapers as well as the Irish News and Sunday Life) recently and featured on the SevenThirty Show in 2011. We also got through to the FINAL in a the National What's On 4 Little Ones Junior Awards 2011, making us one of the top 4 local activities for under 5s in the UK, a fanatastic achievement for a small NI company!

As you can see it is very exciting times for Sign2Music and a good time to consider joining us!

I would love to work alongside enthusiastic and committed people to ensure Sign2Music is available in as many areas as possible. I can confidently say that our existing teachers are second to none. Here we are at our 2011 conference:

I would love to increase the number of teachers so we can reach more people, but strongly believe in quality above quantity. This is why we have a selection process to become a Sign2Music teacher to ensure not only that you are right for Sign2 Music, but that Sign2Music is right for you!

Ask yourself these questions:

· Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and have lots of fun doing so?

· Do you want to earn an income while working around your family?

· Do you enjoy spending time with children?

· Have you seen our classes and thought you would really enjoy being that teacher?

· Do you want to start your own business but would like to be handed the ideas, customer base and know how, so you can get started right away?

If you answered YES then Sign2Music is the business for you. You CAN have it all!

Registering your interest in becoming a Sign 2 Music teacher is the first step to the best and most fun job in the entire world! Our licensed teacher programme requires a relatively low investment, much lower than most similar opportunities. You receive all the materials and resources needed to start immediately and the flexibility to add your own personal touch, by adjusting the content to suit your personality and skills. Training is tailored to your individual requirements. You also receive mentoring and support once training is completed. As an evolving business we are constantly adding to the services we offer. What we do is underpinned by strong values and a desire to bring this wonderful communication, bonding and development tool to as many people as possible!

If you feel you have what it takes please contact me via email (deirdre@sign2music.co.uk) or phone 07874742704 for your free information pack.

Look forward to meeting you soon.

Deirdre McLaughlin

Owner

Sign2Music

deirdre@sign2music.co.uk

07874742704

Confessions of a Procrastinator

2012-01-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

I'm nearly afraid to say it out loud but the tax return is done AT LAST!! It only took me several weeks of searching handbags for scraps of paper, hunting through bank accounts, bank statements, invoices and finding envelopes of receipts in different places. Any accountant reading this will be disgusted at my lack of organisational skills, financial know how and lack of planning!

This is typical behaviour for 'Deirdre Procrastinator Extraordinaire'! I was always the one sitting up to 2 and 3am the night before exams cramming or writing the assignment the night before it was due at school and university.

People often do not realise the amount of preparation and planning that goes into every Sign2Music class, especially in the first term. Knowing this never encouraged me to have the bag packed a week before like other sensible people would do! No no, I always 'faff about' and leave most things to do the night before once the children are in bed, often staying up 'til 2am or later!

The tax return has been hanging over my head for months. I knew how much preparation was going to be involved in getting everything ready to submit it. It is such a small thing in my busy life, not something I want to prioritise or focus too much attention on. However, it really has become a huge mountain that I have had to climb to allow me to focus on the 'big things' I have planned for Sign2Music.

Running a small business is a very fulfilling role and has been one of the most amazing learning experiences for me. It is also a time and life consuming role, especially, like me if you have a job and a family too! A small business owner has to be an expert on so many things, not only the field in which they are operating: computer skills, social media, book keeping, PR, marketing, organising, planning, networking, communicating, to name only a few! We do not have a personnel department, communications department, finance department and a collection of policies and procedures to refer to!

I have never employed an accountant or any other business or personal support services as I always say I can't afford to and can easily do everything myself. I have now realised I can't afford not to! The amount of time, effort and stress preparing for today would not have been necessary had I approached it like an organised business woman would! Had I completed this months ago there are so many things I could have been doing instead!

Promise to myself! This year...new me! I have already started recording as I go along, clearing out my purse and filing and recording receipts regularly. I have accepted the support offered by my husband and 15 year old IT whizz son! My books will be sent to my accountant in April /May and I can say goodbye to another small thing and put it into the hands of an expert!

I would say I am now going to sit back and relax, but there is the small matter of my house! Anyone fancy cleaning it for me!? ;-)

Deirdre :)

One for the Dads

2012-01-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

We are very lucky to have lots of dads attend our Sign2Music classes. Too often preschool classes are predominated by mums. Not ours! It helps that many of our classes are at weekends so are accessible to more family members - mums, dads, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and siblings!

Modern research emphasises the importance of the mother - child bond in building the foundations for sound relationships in adult life. However, this does not take away from the important roles fathers can play in the lives of their children.

Unfortunately dads are often overlooked in parenting discussions. One of my colleagues told me that when his son was a baby a health professional visited the house on a regular basis in the early days. While he was present every time, all the discussion and advice was addressed to his partner. He described how disempowering this felt.

With this in mind I was delighted when I came across this wonderful video by the American Actor and rapper Tray Chaney, focusing on fatherhood:

I am not a rap fan but this is a beautiful song with meaningful lyrics and a great video.

I heard about Tray from my friend and author of ' the Blossom Method', Vivien Sabel. I was very touched and moved to receive a tweet on Twitter from 'the man' himself!

I wish Tray every success with this song. I really hope the popularity of this song increases even further and continues to promote the roles of fathers everywhere!

Deirdre :)

My Promise to You

2012-01-16T02:57:00.000-08:00

As you all know Sign2Music is not a job to me, it is my passion, my chance to live my dream by helping everyone share the huge benefits and massive joy that can be gained by the use of signing.

As a business Sign2Music has a Vision Statement. My vision for the future is this:
1. For signing with babies and children to be mainstream in families, nurseries and school and to be accessible to everyone.
2. For Sign2Music to be a popular and respected name, providing high quality programmes and products throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.

Our Mission Statement, ie, how we achieve these aims is:
1. We provide high quality programmes throughout Northern Ireland.
2. We work to raise awareness of the benefits of signing with all babies and children and to produce useful, affordable and accessible products.

Sounds a bit lovely dovey, but that's me, heart rules my head! I have been on a 3 day training event recently which has made me realise a lot of things about how I run Sign2Music. Because it is my passion, I have not treated it enough as a business and sometimes find the 'money part' uncomfortable, which I realise is a disservice to Sign2Music and to you! I have often felt like using the word business somehow diminishes the values and beliefs that drive what I do. I have put my everything into trying to reach as many people as possible, spreading myself too thinly. As a result I have not done everything I should have.

Well, here and now I am going to commit to actions in 2012! Here goes....gulp!

1. I will produce the long awaited Sign2Music Vol. 2 CD.
2. I will produce record a Sign2Music DVD
3. I will facilitate an open training event for nursery / childcare professionals
4. I will ensure Sign2Music covers as large an area as possible by recruiting more Sign2Music Licensed Teachers.
5. I will produce materials so that those unable to attend Sign2Music classes can still access our services.

There I've written it down, not just on my computer but for you all to keep as evidence to hold me to account! Hope I don't live to regret this, lol!

I am really really excited about what lies ahead for Sign2Music for 2012. I promise to work hard to for you all and hope that the amazing support for Sign2Music from you all that drives me onwards continues this year. Thank you all!

Deirdre x

My very own 'Twin Study'

2011-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

As a result of some discussions recently on Twitter I decided to use my last blog of 2011 to talk about some of my experiences of being a twin mummy. Most of you are aware I am the proud mummy of twins, my son Eoghan and my daughter Aine, now aged 15 (16 in April 2012, eek!)

They were born in 1996 when I was in the middle of my postgraduate Social Work training. I had already completed a degree and masters in Psychology so it's fair to say I was interested in how being different sex twins would affect their socialisation and development. The little babies had no idea they were going to be subjects of their mum's experiments even before they were born!

When I was at Queens there was research being undertaken in the Psychology Dept on prenatal responsiveness by Peter Hepper **. I remember being fascinated with the discovery that newborn babies who had been exposed to a specific TV theme tune as foetuses (Neighbours!) responded to this hearing this tune by exhibiting changes in heart rate, number of movements, and behavioural state! During my pregnancy the 'Mozart Effect' was widely debated, i.e., the idea that hearing classical music while in the womb affects developing babies cognitive development. Wanting to give the twins the best start I could I made a tape of classical music and played in on my stereo every night, holding the speakers to my belly to be sure the babies could hear it! It was obvious they did as there was a flurry of activity when the music started!

I have absolutely no idea if the music affected their cognitive development (although they are both very academically capable) but it definitely was remembered by them after they were born. We were in hospital for a week after their birth (that wouldn't happen now!). The first night I got home I put my classical music tape on when they were becoming unsettled. The results truly shocked me! As soon as the music started, both babies stopped crying immediately. It was very clear by their reactions that they recognised the sound. For the next few days I played the music every time they were upset and it comforted them. It only lasted for a short time but it was still fascinating to see that not only can babies hear in the womb but they find those familiar sounds comforting!

I had always been interested in the nature vs nurture debate and the impact of socialisation on children. I believed that nurture had the greatest impact on children's sense of identity. I saw the range of toys available for children and how they were categorised as male or female and was determined not to differentiate. My very traditional father was appalled when Eoghan got dolls to play with as a toddler and Aine got Lego and train set. I expected that how I 'nurtured' the twins, bringing them up in exactly the same environment, giving them the same toys to play with, treating them the same would result in their not adhering to traditional gender roles. How wrong was I?

I was soon very clear that, despite both children having access to all toys, Eoghan favoured the toys that would be seen as 'male' and Aine those seen as 'female'. Not only that, everyone commented on how Eoghan was a 'typical wee boy' and Aine a 'typical wee girl'. Eoghan loved climbing, rough and tumble play, building and making things. Aine on the other hand hated climbing and rough and tumble play and loved playing with dolls, role play and dressing up! My theory of socialisation and nurture having more impact than nature was turned on its head! I have no idea if this is because the children were born with a predisposition to certain characteristics and behaviours or due to other influences I had no control of, such as how they were treated by others, advertising, etc.

Eoghan and Aine continued to grow up as individuals who are as 'different as chalk and cheese' still displaying stereotypical 'male' and 'female' behaviours. As teenagers, Eoghan does not discuss his feelings (or much else for that matter!) and Aine discusses little else! However, they are both gentle, caring, well mannered and beautiful children. Aine will hug me for saying that and Eoghan will grunt!

Being the mother of twins is such a precious gift. The experience of their early years was so different than my subsequent experience of having a single child. They were a comfort blanket for each other on occasions like the first day of school (there were no tears or tantrums). The fact that they are different sexes meant that they were never really labelled as 'the twins' but had their own identities. They looked out for each other (and still do!), played together and fought with each other. They are now very close and I hope they will remain that way forever.

I can't believe my 'babies' are going to be 16 in 2012. My do I feel old!

Happy New Year everyone!

Deirdre xx

**(Hepper, P, G. An examination of foetal learning before and after birth. The Irish Journal of Psychology, Vol 12(2), 1991, 95-107)

The Importance of Being Accurate!

2011-12-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

This article describes how a toddler group in York has decided to stop using the commonly used symbol for diamond as it is similar to the sign for female genitalia and could potenitally be offensive to deaf children or parents. This has caused a controversy similar to that caused when Justin Fletcher was accused of using a rude sign (the sign for happy in makaton is similar to the sign for f***ing in BSL).

Some people think this political correctness gone mad while others understand and support the decision of the toddler group. From experience I know how easy it is to change the meaning of a sign by altering the handshape, movement or orientation of the sign. Most people who have studied sign language will tell you a funny or embarrassing story about making a slight error that completely changed the meaning they were trying to convey.

People often find it hard to understand why I insist that our teachers have a qualification in sign language. The accuracy of the signs we use is very important to me and while we all make mistakes I want to do what I can to ensure signs are shown accurately in all our classes. Knowing our teachers are all trained in sign language not only helps our service users have confidence in the accuracy of the signs they are learning but gives them the flexibility to ask for additional signs.

Anyone who has been coming to Sign2Music classes for a number of years will tell you how many signs I have substituted since I first started to ensure accuracy and that I am using the most commonly used N Ireland regional versions of signs! No doubt we will continue to make mistakes and correct them, but we are trying our very best!

I would love to know your thoughts on the subject so feel free to share your comments.

Christmas is Comiing!

2011-12-13T02:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas really is on it's way! Where did 2011 go to? It must have been the fastest year on record or I am simply getting old!

I had 2 wonderful Christmas parties this week in Ballynahinch and am in the middle of Christmas sessions galore! Our parties are so much fun. Some of the children really get into the swing of things by dressing up...and so do the teachers! We sing Christmas songs, read a Christmas story and of course have a visit by Signing Santa!

I love this time of year as it gives me the chance to dig out the multiple Christmas trees and boxes of decorations that I love to decorate my house with. And of course I get to sing Christmas songs once again! I LOVE them!!!

I made a couple of videos of Christmas songs last year and have added Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to the collection this year.

I will be adding more over the coming weeks so keep an eye on our You Tube page. Why not subscribe and you will be e-mailed when I add a new video?

Have a very Happy Christmas everyone!

Love is the Answer!

2011-11-23T03:20:00.000-08:00

Being a mummy is, and always will be, the most important job I have ever had! I love my children more than life itself. I know how tough life can be and feel so responsible for giving them the best start I can in life. And what a rollercoaster ride it has been so far! Like all parents I have had many proud moments when I have given myself a pat on the back and felt proud that my efforts have paid off. I have also had many guilt-ridden moments where I beat myself up for not being a good enough parent!

I am not sure if my academic background and work experience have helped me as a parent or have got in the way. I have studied psychology and social work and spent the past 15 years working with young people who become involved in offending behaviour and their families. This is why I had a tape (oh yes, not a CD!) of classical music and played it to my tummy every night during my first pregnancy in the belief it would boost my children's cognitive development! It is also why Eoghan and Aine, as male and female twins were both given toys that would have been perceived as more appropriate for one sex (despite my father's serious disapproval!). And it is why my teenagers moan all the time about not being able to do things their friends are allowed to do!

When I started working with young people involved in offending and their families I began to really question the role the early years has on adult behaviour and family dynamics. Family therapy training made me explore my own family history and the how my parenting has impacted on my children.

I love watching how the babies we see in Sign2Music classes grow and develop into confident, loving and bright children. I love the amazing stories I hear about how signing has helped communication, bonding and development. I spend a lot of time discussing the benefits of signing for supporting communication and development. There is also a lot of information on the internet about these benefits.

The benefits of signing in supporting bonding has not been featured and researched to the same extent. I have a video on our You Tube channel showing how signing supports bonding with siblings Signing Supports Sibling Bonding

However, I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to nurture the bond between children and their caregivers!

A child's first relationship will have a significant impact on subsequent relationships throughout their lives. Current early years research reinforces this, even indicating that the first 18 months of life are the most critical in developing or preventing the propensity to violent /criminal behaviour in later life.

Much of a humans brain development takes place in the first 3 years of life. During this period of accelerated learning the number of synapses (brain connections) multiply 20 fold. Modern research indicates that early experiences can override genetics. A baby's potential is therefore based on the experiences in their early years. Early learned behaviour can be resistant to change and can be the foundation to adult behaviour. Stressful experiences wire a child's brain for stress and trauma. Loving experiences can wire their brain for loving relationships and experiences.

Connectness between a child and caregiver is the basis for the development of empathy. This means the nature of the child's first relationship, most often with the mother impacts on later emotional relationships:

‘The child’s first relationship, the one with the mother, acts as a template…[that] permanently moulds the individual’s capacity to enter into all later emotional relationships’ (Schore, 2000, via Wave Trust)

This is a beautiful video featuring the The Still Face Experiment which demonstrates how important our interactions with our little ones are. Can you imagine the impact on a child if they experience the 'still face' during most of their interactions?

Reading all the research available to us in relation to child development can be mind blowing. Being a parent is hard enough without trying to ensure you are doing everything right. I have no doubt that signing with babies and children, music and other activities can help support your connection with your child. However, it is clear from all the research that the secret to well adjusted children is actually quite simple - LOVE them! Everything else is a bonus. Wow, I don't feel guilty any more!

How Lucky Am I?

2011-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was 'born and reared' in Belfast but always wanted to live in 'the country' when I got older. Then 'the country' I meant was a little cottage on White's Road that led to Colin Glen, where I went walking as a child. We used to head off with our packed lunches and make our way to the waterfall and up the glen. It took us all day and we thought we walked for miles but were only a stones throw from home!

I also used to play with my friends in the fields around home. I was obsessed with Enid Blyton so when I wasn't climbing trees, bouldering up the river with my friends or playing in our secret tree hut I went to look for mysteries with my dog Prince!

When I got married I moved to Co Down, which really is one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful counties. When I lived in Belfast, Eoghan and Aine had their own waterproofs, ruckacks and walking boots and we often spent Sunday on the Trassey track! I spent many days bouldering in Bloody Bridge, trekking through and camping in the Mourne Moutains with groups of teenagers. However, since moving to the area I have rarely been to the Mournes. Why do we often not appreciate the beauty that we have on our doorsteps?

There are some fantastic places to go and amazing historical sites in Co. Down and throughout our beautiful country. I have made it my mission to try to introduce my children to as many of these places as possible before they refuse to come with me!

Inch Abbey

Loughinisland Churches

Struell Wells

Stepping Stones, Tollymore

One of the benefits of being a Sign2Music teacher is being able to travel to and from classes. I am lucky that my classes are in beautiful places. My first 'job' yesterday morning was a taster session for a Mother and Toddler group in Kilkeel, about 45 mins drive from my home. I set off, looking forward to the session but seeing the drive as an inconvenience to be endured to get there.

How wrong was I!!! It really brought home to me the beauty I have on my doorstep that I take so much for granted! I was blown away by the amazing beauty that I have seen a million times before, but for some reason never really appreciated in the same way! Driving along the coast with the sea on the left and the Mourne Mountains to the right....what a way to drive to 'work'!!

How lucky am I!!

Newcastle, Co Down

Dundrum Bay

The Mourne Mountains

Bloody Bridge

Bloody bridge

Introducing our Teachers: STEPH HANNA

2011-10-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

The third in our series of blogs entitled 'Introducing our Teachers' features the super Steph Hanna. Here is what she said:

Tell us a little about you and your family?

Im Steph, I live in Drumreagh - near Ballygowan- with my hubby Colin and my 2 amazing sons Dainiol, who will be 18 at the end of this month!!, and wee Mason who is 3. We also have 2 doggies Monty Moo and Walter. Dainiol is at tech in Bangor and works part-time in Supervalu in Comber. Mason just started pre-school. Colin works away in London all week and gets home every weekend. This works well as it makes weekends special for all of us. I feel very lucky and proud to have all my boys around me.

During the week I work from home as a childminder, take care of the boys and the house. I'm also going to evening tech studying BSL Pre-Level 3.

Why did you become a Sign2Music teacher?

I had taught myself some signs off the internet when Mason was a baby after reading an article about the benefits of signing with hearing children. I then signed up for some signing classes in my local area (not Sign2Music) with Mason when he was about 5 months old but found them haphazard so I left after only attending 2 classes! This didn't put me off signing and I luckily found Sign2Music classes in Bangor on the internet. We just loved it right from the 1st class. I loved how structured and fun each class was and Mason was amazed at the music, puppets, shakers and especially the bubbles. And that was us totally hooked!

I had been thinking ahead to what I would be doing with myself when Mason started school. That's when I decided to apply to become a Sign2Music teacher. I now get to work with fantastic children and their wonderful parents doing something that I love and am passionate about.

Where do you do your classes at the moment?

I deliver Wrigglers classes in The Hall Cherryvalley Drive Comber, The Elim Church Carryduff & The Methodist Church Cairnshill and a Movers class in Comber as well. I also have an after school club in Millisle Primary School and The Mother & Toddlers group in Strangford.

What are you are most proud of about yourself?

The way my eldest son has grown into a gorgeous person. As parents we are here to love, guide and nurture and looking at my big son now I think I got it right :-)

Your favourite signing experience(s) (personally or one that has been shared with you)?

My favourite experience of baby signing would be when I was out for a walk with Mason when he was 9 months: He was frantically signing Cat and I kept saying 'Where?' as I couldnt see one. Then out of a garden walked a big white cat! Mason had spotted it 1st and was telling me all about it, I just thought... bless ....x

I had an experience shared last weekend when a mummy from class rang me at 8pm on Saturday nite. You could hear the excitment in her voice! She said she had to ring me to tell me her 9 month old daughter had just asked her and daddy for a bath! She even signed it again and they got to record it. It had been a big day for her as her daughter had just taking her first steps too. I felt so excited, emotional and proud for them!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

How do you know I havent already ????????

Tell us a secret about you?

I brush my teeth 6 times a day.

Your favourite film? Book?

City of Angels and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. The book makes me recall things from my childhood. It's an amazing true story seen through the eyes of a boy called Christopher.

Who makes you laugh?

Definitely my boys, even the doggies

Who inspires you?

Anyone who has overcame hardship or trauma in their lives.

What would you say to someone who was thinking of becoming a Sign2Music teacher?

Yes do it, you will get to meet some wonderful people and the best part of it is the children. From the wee cutie smiles and waves to the big goodbye hugs and cuddles. Every day is such an adventure for them and you become part of their journey....x

Introducing our Teachers: EMMA MCSPARRON

2011-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is the last, but by no means least of the Meet the Teachers blogs. In this case the first indeed the last! Emma is the lady who started the ball rolling in the Sign2Music Licensed Teacher Programme. She contacted me in Sept 2008 asking if I was offering opportunities for others to facilitate Sign2Music programmes. It got me thinking and soon I had developed a training programme and put the wheels in motion. She and Alison completed their training in July 2009 and that was the start of our the lovely Sign2Music family you have learned so much about this week!

Tell us a little about you and your family?

Ekkk! Here goes … Born in Reading, London.
My parents decided they wanted to bring up the family back home and so they returned with their little bundle (me!) to the small but quaint town of Limavady, and I’m sooo glad they did J Don’t get me wrong I love London but don’t think I could live there. I’m the eldest of 3 children. Owen (the middle one) has just recently became a proud Dad to beautiful little Ava. She indeed will be my next super signer if I’ve anything to do with it! The youngest, my lovely sister Amy is 16 years my junior! Oh what a shock that was for my parents, lol.

Now some years later I’m a mummy to my very beautiful and entertaining 5 year old, Georgina, who has just started P1 (time flies!). Just today (Friday) she made me very proud by singing ‘You’ve got a friend in me’ from Toy Story at her school open day. I’ve got high hopes! J I currently work full time in Hands That Talk (Deaf Community Group) in Dungiven as Client Services Manager. Having a passion for Sign Language, I feel very lucky to have a job and vocation I love very much. Outside of work I love music, (too many favourites too mention), gigs, concerts and festivals. Hehe, sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade!

Why did you become a Sign2Music teacher?

Having worked in the deaf community for a number of years and witnessed babies and toddlers signing to their parents and grandparents I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t believe those tiny hands were actually communicating! I soon learned baby signing was also taught to hearing babies to aid communication before speech. I loved the idea! I researched a number of baby signing franchises and came across the fabulous Deirdre McLaughlin and Sign2Music. The rest is history as they as say! J

Where do you do your classes at the moment?

I run Saturday Baby and Toddler classes in Windy Hall Community Centre, Coleraine and have recently facilitated a number of private classes in The Women’s Centre, Derry, an after schools activity programme in Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, Derry and sessions for The National Deaf Children’s Society.

What are you are most proud of about yourself?

Firstly I’m proud of being a mum to Georgina – she’s a real star! I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in relation to my career, having received my Level 3 certificate in BSL, the Junior Trainee Interpreter Certificate and taking the leap to become a Sign2Music teacher.

Your favourite signing experience(s) (personally or one that has been shared with you)?

Ohh too many too mention, just look at the ‘signing stories’ section of the Sign2Music website - It’s impossible to pick a favourite! However I do have to mention Shawna my super signer competition winner, she is such a star and makes me very proud J

What would you do if you won the lottery?

OHHHH HOLIDAY, HOLIDAY HOLIDAY!!! I’m ashamed to say my last foreign holiday was in 2001 (I guess this is the reason for my excitement lol!) I’d buy a nice house with a big garden for Georgina and Kim our very crazy Springer Spaniel. Needless to say I’d share my fortune (assuming I can’t spend it by myself :-p) with my dear family who have been so supportive over the years (you ever hear of the bank of Mum and Dad?)

Tell us a secret about you?

Terrible but true and I’m embarrassed to admit this! In my teens I finished with a boyfriend because he wore white running trainers and needed to sit on a cushion whilst driving to see out the window! Oh how your views and priorities change over the years!

Oh one more... On many an occasion (usually a Saturday morning) I’ve got an ahem... “Really sore throat” (I’m really trying to reach Deirdre’s high notes!) hehe J

Your favourite film? Book?

Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, I read it twice (out loud) when I was expecting (that’s another story) poor Georgina!

As for films, I haven’t a real favourite. As long as there’s a good story line and a decent finish I’m happy. Don’t you just hate it when films finish and you’re left thinking… “Is that it”?

Who makes you laugh?

Easy one J Georgina (daily), friends and work colleagues... I love to laugh, it’s such a tonic.

Who inspires you?

Lots of people inspire me... family, friends, and work colleagues; people who have gone through the toughest situations and are still able to smile and be happy! My favourite inspirational quote... “When you stop trying to change others and work on changing yourself, your world changes for the better”

What would you say to someone who was thinking of becoming a Sign2Music teacher?

Go for it! It takes hard work and dedication to get your classes up and running but when you do, it’s so worth it. Those smiling babies and toddlers melt my heart every Saturday! I’m positive that very soon Sign2Music will be a household name and will be the most popular class parents can attend with their babies and toddlers. Happy signing J

Emma

Introducing our Teachers: BAHIA MA'ANI

2011-10-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about you and your family?

Well, I come from a family of 6 plus my parents: 3 girls, 3 boys. We’re all quite different in our own ways…yet definitely have family traits. I contemplated listing out all of their hobbies and careers to give an idea of their individuality…but I think that would take too long. Let’s just say we’ve got magician, outdoor leadership, web programmer, writer and 9 nieces and nephews in the mix. I am the 6^th child (some may refer to me as the baby) and although I made the decision to move far away from them (we grew up in Western Massachusetts in the US…feel free to look it up ;) ) I feel blessed that I have such inspiring people as examples in my life, my parents included. They all definitely had a very big part in shaping who I am and what I value.

But now my family consists of me and my husband, much less people than I’m used to but no less entertaining. I shock a lot of people by telling them that I’m married; not only am I 24, but I look about 16. I’ve been told I look young and that I am young…pretty much since I can remember, and although it can be a little tedious at times, somehow it’s made me appreciate my age and where I am in life. I never planned to marry young – I even planned to never get married at all if I never met the right person, so I feel very fortunate that I found him so early on. He’s been my rock for these past 3-4 years, and I will always credit him for pushing me to pursue Sign2Music despite my own fears, and generally helping me to believe in myself. (awww….)
　
　
Why did you become a Sign2Music teacher?

Good question ;) I think a strange consistency in my family is that it’s taken all (or most) of us a while to figure out what we really wanted to do with our lives. There are a few things in my life that I’ve always loved: children (even when I was a child), expression, performing arts, and when I learned sign language in high school I loved that too. Not only did I love it, but I discovered that it was a great tool for all of the above. I’ve always thought about how I would raise my own children, so when I got married and moved to this country it was even more on my mind as it was becoming a more and more plausible thing to happen. One day I just decided to look up baby signing in Northern Ireland because I was curious to know if the phenomenon had reached this part of the country and to what extent, and that’s when I happened upon Sign2Music. I was so impressed with its message and its values. It was also after I had done my NVQ II in Children’s Care Learning and Development and I was a bit unsure of what I wanted to do next. It became pretty simple when in big letters was written “URGENT! TEACHERS NEEDED”.
　
　
Where do you do your classes at the moment?

I’m currently holding a Wrigglers class and a Movers class on Saturdays at Boys Model School on the Ballysillan Rd. I’ve started doing sessions for a mother and toddlers group in Sandy Row, and I’m about to start a Wednesday morning class at Whiteabbey Community Centre.
　
　
What are you most proud of about yourself?

Another good question. I’m proud of myself for facing my fears. I’ve had a lot of anxiety over the years, and had a hard time pursuing things that really interested me because I didn’t believe I had the capacity to do them. Looking back on my life I see how this crippled me in so many situations I was in and it kept me from really taking full advantage of many opportunities that I had. With the help of someone by my side cheering me on and telling me that I can do anything that I really want to, I finally feel like I’ve taken charge of my life and I’m doing things that I love, that challenge me, and that I feel good about.
　
　
Your favourite signing experience(s) (personally or one that has been shared with you)?　

Seeing as how I don’t yet have children of my own to enjoy the experiences of signing with, I have to say that my favourite signing experience was when I got my very first video from a parent in my very first term of teaching Sign2Music classes of their little boy signing the word ‘bath’. I was surprised at my own reaction of how excited and emotional I was. I must’ve played that 3 second video about a million times. Now I know exactly what I mean when I tell parents that they have to play down their excitement when their child does their first sign…it wasn’t even my own child and I reacted like a crazy person!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Haha…if I won the lottery I’d be pretty over the moon considering I never buy tickets!! I consider the odds to be pretty grim, so I find it hard to part with even a pound…every penny counts! Buuut for the sake of an interesting blog, if I did win the lottery (especially a free one) I’d like to say that I’d donate or set up wonderful foundations…and maybe I would somewhere down the line. But I’d probably put it into buying a house and I’d probably finally have children and I’d definitely travel to every country in the world and use it to visit my family more often….I would also love to introduce baby signing and children’s development to as many places as possible, so maybe I’d find a way to do that.
　

Tell us a secret about you?　

I’m never good at these ones. A secret about me…I don’t like most things pop culture related. It’s not so much a secret, but I have tried to tone it down in recent years. I’m usually pretty critical about different fads that are popular and I’m pretty apathetic when it comes to celebrities and tv shows. I mostly just like movies and tv shows that are cleverly funny. And I tend to really like celebrities that are quirky, different and usually hilarious. It makes it difficult to have normal conversations with people ;) But I also don’t mind if people like things that I don’t, I don’t believe we all have to like the same things J
　

Your favourite film? Book?

Hmmm, well I tied that in nicely. I tend to like quirky movies that find a way of showing the human condition. I have quite a few favourites. One of which came out recently: Bridesmaids, starring one of my favourite comediennes Kristen Wiig. It’s outrageously funny and I tend to identify with someone who goes against the grain and generally doesn’t identify with many of the feminine traditions and social norms. Another one that is very similar to that idea is Little Miss Sunshine, which is similar but about a child who wants to compete in a beauty pageant. Both very funny, neither for young audiences though ;)

One of my favourite books is called The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. A book of poems full of wisdom and insight on all different aspects of life. Another favourite is the Poisonwood Bible about a missionary family that goes to The Congo in Africa and ends up being greatly affected by the culture in very different ways…a very insightful read!
　
　
Who makes you laugh?

My family, and my husband, and my friends. And children. And sometimes myself. I really like to laugh ;)
　
　
Who inspires you?

Ahhh once again, my family and my husband. And a few people I’ve met here and there. I get inspired when I see people work hard to pursue what they love – and more often then not they end up making a difference in other people’s lives. It’s not just pursuing what they love, but standing up for what they believe in and staying true to themselves. I think really small gestures like that can go a long way…　
　
What would you say to someone who was thinking of becoming a Sign2Music teacher?

It definitely takes work and responsibility. I went to the Go For It program which was offering free business classes at the time and I found that very useful to apply to Sign2Music as I really had no sense of business at all. It is useful to have a business head on you, but I’ve found that it’s simple enough to learn and it’s incredibly rewarding and empowering when you do. I’ve also been very touched by the enthusiasm of all the parents I’ve met. They have helped so much to promote Sign2Music and it’s so rewarding to feel like you have a community around you, supporting you and wanting you to succeed. It’s fulfilling to be able to provide such a useful, fun tool for parents but it’s just as fulfilling to be able to build relationships with them and watch their children grow. It definitely feels like a give and take environment and without a doubt has made all the hard work well worth it. As you can tell, I’m a very happy camper :)

Introducing our Teachers: LAURA JACKSON

2011-10-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

The second in our series of blogs entitled 'Introducing our Teachers' features the lovely Laura Jackson. Here is what she said:

Tell us a little about you and your family?

Im Laura, I live in Bangor with my 3 gorgeous boys. Mark is 10yrs Reece is 7yrs and Bailey is 3yrs. Its a busy crazy house but I wouldnt have it any other way :O) I enjoy reading and love cosy DVD and popcorn nights on the sofa with my boys.

Why did you become a Sign2Music teacher?

I attended Sign2Music classes with my youngest Bailey. Sign2Music became the highlight of our week. The classes are great fun and I also saw the wonderful benefits of baby signing first hand !! I enjoyed classes soo much and just love the whole concept of babysigning, I decided to go and do BSL level 1 at bangor tech to learn more! I applied to become a sign2music teacher because I love working with children and I liked the idea of teaching such a well run and educational programme. The bonus for me was that I would be self employed! I have a fantastic job that I can fit around my own children :O)

Where do you do your classes at the moment?

I have a beginners class in the Robinson Centre in Castlereagh. I also run a private class for sure start at Chinese Resourse on the Ormeau Road and I have an after school club running in Dundonald Primary School (P3/P4)

What are you are most proud of about yourself?

I am proud of myself for always choosing my own path in life and never following the crowd:

'Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.' ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your favourite signing experience(s) (personally or one that has been shared with you)?

Oooo! Hard question.... I get super excited every time I see a 'first sign' in class !!

My favourite experience of baby signing would be my bedtime story with Bailey most nights. I gets lots of cuddles. As I sign the story to him in bed he copies me and gets soo excited if he is able to sign the word before me. Its just soo cute and a really special time for us xx

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I have always said I would set up an organisation for underpriviledged children in NI: Daycare; day trips; youth clubs; holidays away, etc.

Tell us a secret about you?

I hate the dark.

Your favourite film? Book?

Twlight

Who makes you laugh?

My kids - daily.

Who inspires you?

My Mum.

What would you say to someone who was thinking of becoming a Sign2Music teacher?

Go for it :O) I don't see it as a job I am priviledged to meet so many lovely families and show them the benefits of babysigning and watch as they learn and grow. Mark Twain once said:

"Make your vocation your vacation".

Sign2Music is definitely my vacation x

Introducing our Teachers: ALISON PRIDDLE

2011-10-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time our super Sign2Music teachers introduced themselves properly! I am so proud of each and every one of them and, as I keep reinforcing, I chose them very carefully. Therefore I can say without hesitation, we have the best teachers who are a credit to Sign2Music! You may know some of these lovely ladies, but the next few days will be an opportunity to find out more about every one of our team! And if you live in an area where there are no Sign2Music classes and you feel you have what you take to join us, get in touch!

The first brave lady to answer the questions I posed to all the teachers is ALISON PRIDDLE. Here is what she said:

Tell us a little about you and your family?

Mum of two boys Dylan, 8 and Toby, 4. For any of you who are Facebook friends with me personally you will know they are my world and I talk about them a ridiculous amount, but can't stop myself! Toby started P1 this year and so far is loving it..... parent/teacher interview next week so am excited about that!

I have completed Level 1 and 2 British Sign Language (BSL) and have started NVQ Level 3. It's addictive!!

I have recently started as a volunteer support worker/ communicator for the National Deaf Childrens Society (NDCS) and am about to experience my first residential with eleven deaf 8-11 year olds and am very very excited to be a part of that! Obviously I will be working with an experienced team and really cannot wait!

Why did you become a Sign2Music teacher?

I have been a Sign2Music teacher since September 2009. Emma McSparron and I started together and were Deirdre's Guinea Pigs! Oink Oink ! (OK, I know this is the wrong sound but work with me, lol!)

I attended Deirdre's Sign2Music classes January and April 2009 when Toby was 20 months old and Dylan was 5. I was already studying my Level 1 BSL, heard about Sign2music and thought it would be a great way to practice. Also, at 20 months Toby wasn't saying a great deal and I had read that signing with babies and toddlers could help with their speech and communication development. IT DID! For the first term Toby didn't sign or say new words but he understood, then 2 weeks into the second term he had a signing explosion. With every new sign came the word, it was such a great feeling and he was so delighted that we understood him!

Signing with Toby has been an incredibly bonding experience for me and him. I have endless stories of signing moments I have had with Toby (which I torment my poor class members with). Even now at 4 he will use a sign if I am too far away from him to be heard or if I cannot understand his pronunciation. It has 100% removed that frustration and the smile on his face when he knows mummy knows exactly what he wants to say is priceless!

Anyhow... there I go again rattling on about my kids. Deirdre approached me, as she wanted to start classes closer to home and needed someone to take over her North Down classes. Knowing I was studying Level 1 BSL and loved the classes she asked me if I would be interested in becoming a teacher and the rest is history!

Where do you do your classes at the moment?

I hold 10 week block classes in Bangor on a Tuesday and Saturday morning. I also run a drop in class at Snakes n Ladders In Bangor on a Wednesday morning. (Contact me for more info on times and costs)

What are you are most proud of about yourself?

I'm proud that I work hard and that my children are my priority.

I'm not proud that I am such a lousy housekeeper and that I spend half my life chasing my tail!! (all self inflicted)

Your favourite signing experience(s) (personally or one that has been shared with you)?

This is tricky to narrow down one experience. I have loved reading books with Toby. Before he could speak he would point out a tiny fish on a page or an emotion on a face of a character from the book. I used

to get butterflies and feel so close to him knowing I could see the book through his eyes. Totally bonding experience!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Presume we are talking about millions here and not a £10? When the lottery first started I used to say if I won I'd buy myself a brand new Ford Fiesta and would carry on working..... clearly I have
had my head read since then!!

Then I went through a phase (before kids) of thinking I would buy a huge house and foster loads of children, but having my own kids meant I had their feelings to consider in that dream.....

Nowadays.....flip this is a hard question! A home for me and the boys would be amazing, a trip to New York would be on the cards. I'd save lots for the kids for later in life and help family and close friends

out.

Would I carry on with Sign2music?......... You will have to wait and see! lol!

Tell us a secret about you?

I used to be secretely in love with Shane Ritchie when he hosted Win, Lose or Draw back in late 80's or early 90's!!

Your favourite film? Book?

My all time fave movies are the likes of Dirty Dancing, Beaches, Waynes World.... I'm not a big watcher of films, find it hard to sit and focus for that long lol!

Books... only time I read is on holiday and I like to read light hearted, non serious books... purely recreational! Nothing heavy or too thought provoking! My old brain can't cope!

Who makes you laugh?

Easy.... my kids!

Who inspires you?

I think it is too easy to want to be like an actress, a really influential business woman, politician, charity worker, popstar or like 'yer woman at number 9'. I totally love people and admire people who are 'satisfied and contented' with their lot..... I would love that for my children!

What would you say to someone who was thinking of becoming a Sign2Music teacher?

The hardest part of being a teacher is promoting the classes and finding new babies and toddlers to join the fun..... If you expect the families to come to you with no hard work on your part then this is not the job for you. It takes months and months to build up a reputation....when you get it right it is without a doubt the best job in the world!

I have been overwhelmed with the families who have passed through my classes, some for a short while, maybe only one term. Others are still with me from day 1 and now starting again with their new babies, now on term 7! I would estimate that in the past 2 years I have met around 100 families through my classes... How amazing is that!!

The feeling when you watch a previously shy child grow in confidence, dance and sign in class is unbelievable. The pride you feel when a parent tells you how their child communicated with them, with a grandparent or health visitor is a HUGE! Sometimes I have to fight back tears when parents tell me their signing story (sometimes I just cry, lol!)

Some words I would use to describe my past 6 terms (2 years) as a Sign2music teacher are: Nerve- racking; joy; laughter; bubble machines x10..grrrr...; forgotten words; pride; inspirational; mind-blowing; loyalty and most of all FUN!

Sign2Music Nursery Training Programme

2011-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely taster session in a local nursery today. The children and staff enjoyed it so much that the nursery booked dates for the staff to take part in the Sign2Music nursery training programme. The staff are very excited about learning how to incorporate signing into their existing programes and the benefits it will bring. They should be excited! The benefits of signing in a childcare environment are HUGE as many nurseries in Northern Ireland have learned!

Benefits of signing in a childcare setting:

1. Supports early communication and development.

2. Helps build relationships and social skills.

3. Signing is multisensory, a great way for children to learn.

4. Can support early literacy development.

5. Can build self esteem and comfort with expressing emotions.

6. Can help manage behaviour and reduce challenging behaviour.

7. Helps children with a range of communication difficulties.

8. Is very beneficial for children for whom English is an additional language.

9. Introduces children to the language of the deaf community in NI.

10. Supports children with communication difficulties

11. Supports all the Areas of Learning in the NI Foundation Stage Curriculum.

12. Is loads of fun for all!

We offer nurseries the opportunity to take part in our Sign2Music Nursery /Childcare Training Programme. We train staff about the benefits of signing and how to incorporate into existing programmes in a fun way. This training can be arranged evenings / weekends. We also help share the benefits of signing with parents via information letters and a parental workshop to explain to parents what and why their children will be doing in nursery and to encourage them to do the same at home.

We also offer regular Sign and Sing sessions which include songs, puppets, rhymes and stories. These sessions can be tailored to a particular topic, eg, Animals, transport, Easter, Christmas.

If you run a nursery you can reap the many benefits signing has in a childcare environment, enhancing communication, building relationships and confidence, reducing challenging behaviour and adding another fun element to your repertoire. You can also make your setting stand out from others in your area who do not offer this service, helping you attract and retain staff and children. Many parents who attend our classes and are returning to work seek out nurseries who are affiliated with Sign2Music so their carers will understand their child.

If you are signing with your child and they are attending or will be attending a nursery I am sure you would love to find a suitable nursery that can offer consistency by signing with your child when they are there. If you can't find such a setting but fall in love with a nursery all is not lost. Pass on our contact details and tell them about our training programme and sessions.

If you would be interested in a free taster session please contact deirdre@sign2music.co.uk / 07874742704. Feel free to pass on our contact details to any nurseries who may be interested in this exciting opportunity!

School

2011-09-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

A Life Changing Week!

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

What an eventful week for the McLaughlin family! First of all my 15 year old twins, Eoghan and Aine got their first year module GCSE results. They both did really well and I am proud as punch! Eoghan now has a GCSE in Maths (with a Grade A). I am very lucky to have 2 sensible, intelligent and kind hearted kids, although like all teenagers they have their moments.......

There was no time to rest on our laurels as we headed off on a family camping trip for a couple of days to Cranfield, the most southerly part of Northern Ireland. My husband has drawn parallels with our family holidays and those of the famous Griswalds. If I told you some of our Griswaldy experiences you would fully understand! A blog for another day! We had a lovely break, except for going to the wrong campsite first, the stinking weather and a huge bout of sickness for most of the family, not a good thing in a tiny caravan with 5 people! The smell of 'boke' is not easy to get rid of let me tell you! And of course on the way back the 'main' road through Kilkeel was closed off because of a festival. As is typical in N Ireland there was a diversion sign and then no further instructions where to go after the first turn! So we got lost up and down tiny streets and had to do a U turn with a caravan in tow. Let's just say there were a few lively discussions in the car!

The final big event of the eventful week was Cara starting school. Yes my baby Cara, the inspiration behind Sign2Music, headed of to P1 on Tues 30 Sept. She looked so grown up in her uniform and seems to have matured overnight. She was great with no tears in sight, but I can't say I was. It was the strangest empty feeling leaving her there and heading home without her. I have done the P1 first day thing before with Eoghan and Aine but I suppose then I was pretty sure it wouldn't be the last time. This time was different. It feels like the end of an era. I need to pull myself together and see it as the start of a new exciting era but can't help feeling sad the preschool years are gone!

FROM THIS TO THIS

I did have an interesting signing experience collecting her from school on her first day. All the parents were waiting outside and the children were queueing up in the hall to leave. Cara looked through the window and waved. I thought she had forgotten to lift her coat and signed ' Where's your coat'. She lifted her arm in the air, proudly showing me that she had indeed remembered her coat and was actually holding it! You see, signing works, even for P1s!

So now I am the Owner of a business focused largely on preschool children but no longer have a preschooler of my own! Every sentence will have to start with 'I remember when...'! However, I am confident that I have given Cara a headstart by signing with her during her preschool years. She is heading off into the world of primary school with so many skills that have been enhanced by signing. She can read, write, add, subtract and tell the time. She is a confident and caring child with great communication skills. I know she will continue to use signs to help her communication, literacy and mathematical skills in the early years of school. The world is her oyster!

Deirdre :)

How I have used Social Media to Develop Sign2Music

2011-08-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to have had my blog post on 'How I have used Social Media to Develop Sign2Music featured on Bill McCartney's excellent website: http://www.net4wiseowls.co.uk/

Below is a more detailed version of this blog!

How I have used Social Media to Grow Sign2Music?

When I first set up Sign2Music 4 years ago I had never heard of social media. In fact I had just purchased a computer! I started off by developing a very basic website with the main purpose of directing traffic to my e-mail address, which of course was a yahoo address set up for that purpose!

I first dabbled in social media when one of my new teachers mentioned Facebook and suggested it might be something that could be useful for Sign2Music. I wasn’t convinced, but when she asked if she could go ahead and set up a page I thought it would do no harm. Little did I know she was introducing me to a whole new world that would become such an integral part of my business.

My aim in setting up Sign2Music was two fold. As well as running classes and developing programmes my aspiration was to raise public awareness of the benefits of the benefits of signing with babies and toddlers throughout Northern Ireland. With a very limited budget, social media seemed a cost effective way to promote this fantastic communication, bonding and development tool.

In the past few years Sign2Music has grown from strength to strength, with 6 teachers now operating throughout Northern Ireland. Social media has contributed to a huge increase in public awareness about Sign2Music and the benefits of signing. Sign2Music now has 632 Facebook likes, 406 Twitter followers and 146 LinkedIn Connections. The Sign2Music You Tube channel with class clips, sign updates and videos of babies and children signing has proved to be a hit also.

Our Facebook page would be our most active social media platform. There are many businesses whose primary aim to get as many likes as possible. I have fallen into that trap myself. Then on reflection I realised that it is more important for me to have ‘likers’ who are genuinely interested in Sign2Music, enjoy our posts and communicate with us. Our 632 ‘likers’ are quality, rather than simply numbers, making our page attractive as it has so much interaction and information to share. Most ‘likers’ are parents who have come to our classes, parents who are interested in signing, friends of teachers and other businesses. I am pleased that our posts generate so much discussion. I also love the fact that parents will share their experiences on our wall and use Facebook to ask questions.

I am relatively new to Twitter. Until a couple of months ago I simply duplicated any Facebook posts on Twitter and didn’t use it directly. Then I received some valuable advice from a friend, Laura Berg who runs a successful baby signing business, My Smart Hands, in Canada. I have since tried to use Twitter differently and the contacts I have made have been amazing. I have met some great people, internationally, UK wide and from N Ireland that I never would have been able to have contact with had I not been using Twitter. These contacts have opened up so many new opportunities for me and for Sign2Music.

I would still see myself as relatively new and inexperienced in the world of social media but I have no doubt that it has benefited Sign2Music enormously. I have 148 LinkedIn connections and recently received 9 fantastic recommendations from colleagues. We received the endorsement of our service users when they nominated us in 2 categories in the What’s on 4 Little Ones Junior Awards 2011, having been made aware of the Awards via social media. Social media helped us gain support for our nominations, with many local businesses sharing with their followers and the Down News online newspaper running 2 great features. The nomination led to many features in local newspapers, including the Irish News which is one of the biggest newspapers in Northern Ireland. Largely because of this social media fuelled support we reached the final in the Best Local Activities for Under 5s category, making us one of the top 4 local preschool activities in the

! We have also been nominated in category 6.4, favourite Northern Ireland preschool activity in the Northern Ireland Choice Awards 2011. Hopefully we will have the same local support for this nomination. These Awards are social media based. You can vote for Sign2Music by tweeting, writing on the Facebook wall or emailing choiceawards@nitoday.co.uk I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4. Alternatively text to 07716711744 NITODAY AWARDS I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4.

Writing this has made me reflect on the huge transformation I have made in the past couple of years from someone who didn’t own a computer into someone for whom Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, etc are very important and an integral part of my daily activities. What I have realised though is that social media is by no means a free or easy option. While it doesn’t cost money it is costly in terms of a more valuable commodity – time! To develop Sign2Music’s social media strategy to its current level hasn’t been easy for a non-computer savvy person like me. I have spent an inordinate amount of time, and many many late nights and early mornings, in front of my computer, getting to grips with how it all works. A lot of this time has been productive. However, if I am honest some of it hasn’t been. It is so easy to get distracted. Farmville on Facebook was almost in danger of destroying my social media strategy for a while, as I kept getting sidetracked when my crops needed harvested!

Bill McCartney, from Net4Wise Owls, facilitated an excellent workshop for the Sign2Music teachers at our annual Sign2Music Conference recently. It did make me realise I should have done this much earlier, rather than jumping into social media without a clue and spending so much time stumbling around trying to find my way!

I am certainly not a social media expert but have been able to use social media to grow my business and hope to continue to do so. I have made many many mistakes along the way! If I was to give advice to anyone starting a business who wants to dip their toe into social media I would say:

1. Put the time into developing your strategy before jumping in. If you can get the advice of an expert such as Bill it is worth doing so.

2. Do not think this is a panacea and will be the making of your business. It can help enormously but requires a significant amount of time and effort to make it work.

3. If you work within a team have a shared strategy and approach.

4. Do not spread yourself too thinly between various social media platforms. Concentrate most on the one that works best for your business.

5. Support other businesses, who in turn will support you.

6. Be genuine with your business connections. It is easy to spot someone who is trying to get something out of you for nothing!

7. Spend the time making your page or updates worth liking or following you for.

And Finally 8. Do not go near Farmville!!

If you require further information contact deirdre@sign2music.co.uk 07874742704

or see:

www.sign2music.co.uk

www.facebook.com/sign2music1

www.twitter.com/sign2music

www.youtube.com/user/Sign2Music1

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/deirdre-mclaughlin/28/98/577

Good luck!! Deirdre J

Magazine Article

2011-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Was delighted to receive a very special 'tweet' and e-mail yesterday morning from Mums Baby Magazine saying 'your article's up'!

http://mumsbabymagazine.com/archives/9094

Had been waiting on that message for a long time. Great article in a super magazine! Let me know what you think.

Deirdre :)

10 things You Didn't Know About Me!

2011-08-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Just saw a blog from my friend and baby body language expert, Vivien Sabel entitled 10 things you didn't know about me. She had been tagged and encouraged to participate by others who had done the same. I decided to be brave and join in too so here goes!

I know my life is such an open book that many of you will know most of this but you never know!

1. Family: I was born in North Belfast and moved to West Belfast when I was 6 years old. I am the oldest of a family of 3 with 2 younger brothers. I have 3 children, twins (Eoghan and Aine) aged 15 and Cara aged 4. I also have 2 lovely nephews, Daire and Fionn.

2. Parents: My parents are still quite young (both are 63 years old). They both developed disabilities at a very young age. My mother has fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. My dad was in a serious motorcycle accident over 30 years ago and was seriously injured. The brachial plexus injury he sustained has resulted in chronic pain and disability. He has recently been diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

3. School: I attended an all girls convent grammar school, St Dominics in Belfast and achieved 12 O Levels and 3 A Levels. It was an excellent school and I have many many happy memories. However, my experience was that how pupils were valued by some teachers was based, not on ability, but on parental social status. This has influenced my values and beliefs to this day.

4. Further Education: I went to Queens University Belfast and gained a Degree in Pychology and a research based Masters Degree in Medical Science. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work several and later did my Post Qualifying Award in Social Work. I have completed Family Therapy Foundation and Intermediate level training.

5. First Job: I worked part time in the audio visual department in Boots in Belfast for 4 years during my university years. On my first day I didn't realise you had to put albums into their sleeves and sold everyone album sleeves only! Needless to say I got a bit of a ticking off when they all returned them the next day!

6. My Fears: I am not as confident as I may appear although have conquered the crippling shyness I experienced in certain circumstances when I was younger. When I was sent to the canteen for my first tea break on my first day in Boots I was too embarrassed to walk in among strangers, so sat in the toilet for half an hour! I am also seriously claustraphobic and will avoid concerts, underground trains and lifts at all costs.

7. Sign Language: My interest in Sign Language started about 20 years ago when I started working as a volunteer for Sense NI. This involved helping out on holidays and saturday clubs for deaf blind children. I stayed with Sense for a number of years and completed BSL Stage 1 and later Stage 2.

8. My Other Job: As well as being the founder and owner of Sign2Music I also work job share as a Manager in a government Agency working within the Youth Justice field.

9. Failure: I have never failed an exam in my life but failed my driving test 7 times!

10. Claim to Fame: My recent appearance on the SevenThirty Show was not my first appearance on TV! I was on Songs Of Praise when I was 12 with my school choir, singing 'O Come All Ye Faithful', looking gorgeous with my ringlets! I also featured on a BBC Newsline trailer with Donna Traynor and the rest of my BSL class. We all stood together and signed 'Your BBC, Your World'. Cringe!

Sandy Signs on You Tube

2011-08-15T04:20:00.000-07:00

Some new videos added to Sign2Music You Tube Channel:

Cara's Bike

Fun in the Sun

Hope you enjoy them! We are doing these weekly videos as part of Sandy's Sign of the Week series. Feel free to make suggestions for future videos!

Deirdre :)

Baby Communication on the Radio

2011-08-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Just listened to this great interview on blogtalk radio by Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewing Vivien Sabel about her groundbreaking research into infant communication. They discussed so many interesting topics including the benefits of signing with babies and children. I am hugely fortunate to be able to call Vivien a lovely friend and a great inspiration. Some of the Sign2Music parents are currently involved in her groundbreaking research in preparation for the publication of her book. I can't wait to read it!

SIlent Sunday

2011-08-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

#Silent Sunday. No words needed!

Sign2Music Teachers Conference 2011

2011-08-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 conference took place on Sat 30 July in Belfast....and what an amazing day it was!

It started a little late of course. For anyone who doesn't know me timekeeping isn't exactly my forte! The ironic thing though is that I had sent a message to the teachers on Fri evening asking them to try to be prompt as the conference was only lasting a day and we had a HUGE agenda. Well that was before 'donglegate'. I needed internet access for the conference and on Friday became the proud owner of a 'plug and play' internet dongle. Plug and play? I don't think so! At 3am on Sat I was still plugging.... but no playing! I got up at 6am and tried again and gave up! So I arrived late AND exhausted...

It didn't take long for my spirits to be lifted and tiredness forgotten. The warmth and enthusiasm of the ladies was infectious. It was so lovely to see everyone together for the first time. Last year we were only 4. Thanks to Bahia and Laura we are a 6 piece this year! Even more fab ideas to put into the pot. Brilliant!

Of course we had technical hitches with internet and projectors and laptops... but no technical hitches affected our vocal chords - they were well used on Saturday!

We were joined by Bill McCartney from Net4WiseOwls for a fab, friendly and informative presentation on social media. He also helped us develop our social media strategy. I loved the fact he was so honest about not only our strengths but also areas for development. His forthright approach has made me reflect on my approach to social media thus far. It made me realise that, until now, I have missed the opportunity to harness the skills of the fab teachers to fully engage in social media. So I will tentatively be starting to let go of the reins....... and am so excited about what's to come!

We were lucky to be able to continue to chat to Bill over lunch, which was a team effort, and quite frankly scrummy! And of course we managed to squeeze in a couple of photos.

After we said goodbye to Bill we had so many topics to cover so got down to business. What a productive afternoon! We shared ideas about the new website that will be launched this week and covered various other topics relating to our current programmes and plans for development. It was a brainstorming thunderstorm! So much information and ideas shared.

I headed home exhausted but elated. I had a smug smile on my face as I am so proud of the Sign2Music team. We all have such different but complimentary skills. And yet the values and ethos which is the core of Sign2Music is shared by every one of us. Now that's what I call a team!!!

Can't wait to see what next year will bring......

Deirdre :)

Cara and Sandy Sign Rainbow

2011-08-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

What Signs Do We Use? And Does it Matter Anyway?

2011-07-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

When I was setting up Sign2Music I made the decision early on to use NI regional British Sign Language (BSL) signs, the language used by most members of the deaf community in Northern Ireland. This was a very personal decision. I had studied BSL in Northern Ireland up to Stage 2 and was aware that, like regional accents, BSL differs throughout the UK. The differences are particularly significant in Northern Ireland. One of the reasons I sought and gained accreditation with Sign2Me, the international Baby Signing organisation based on the work of Dr Joseph Garcia was that it strongly endorsed the use of local signs.

People often question this decision as it did immediately create obstacles and a lot of work! It would definitely have been easier to use makaton or English BSL signs as these are the signs used in existing baby signing resources. For a start the graphics pack I purchased was created in England. Luckily the developer agreed to draw Northern Ireland regional signs and over a number of years we have created the huge bank of additional graphics needed for our programmes. I am very grateful to her for the amount of work she put into this on our behalf!

Does it really matter what signing programme we use if it is only used to communicate within the home for a short time?

Yes, it matters a lot to me for number of reasons:

1. I have a great respect for the Deaf community and the signed vocabulary we borrow from their beautiful language. I feel it is my responsibility to promote the use of this language in its correct regional form. And if you are learning to sign you may as well learn signs that are accurate and potentially useful!

2. The signs we use are the basis of a second language used in NI that can be used to by you and your child to communicate with local sign language users.

3. Many of our parents fall in love with sign language and decide to complete Stage 1 at their local college. If we didn't use NI BSL signs in class they would have to start afresh and relearn the signs. We are very proud that we are 'doing our bit' to promote this beautiful language. Although we don't teach sign language (which has a different sentence structure and grammar than English) we do introduce class members to basic signed vocabulary.

4. Some children stop using signs when they no longer need to but others continue to sign well into primary school. My daughter Cara is now 4. She loves to sign and it has continued to benefit her. I have a deaf friend and I think it is great that Cara has the ability to communicate with her on a basic level. Had she been using makaton or English BSL signs she would not have been able to do this!

I feel that it has been important for the integrity of Sign2Music that our teachers have training in Sign Language. Some current teachers have actually undertaken sign language training in order to fulfil the essential criteria to become a Sign2Music teacher! I have been approached by many potential teachers over the past few years who hadn't a signing qualification and decided not to join us because of the requirement to undertake this. Some may say I'm daft to miss out on potentially great teachers. Maybe they are right but I do feel it is important if you have principles to stick to them!

I am will finish with some words from Dr Joseph Garcia, the first person to research the use of sign language in facilitating preverbal communication. In his words:

“By using American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL) or the signs of a specific region, we open the doors to communicating with a much broader community of people – and we lay the foundation for our children to continue learning and using ASL throughout their lives”

“I think ASL is a gift from the Deaf community. I can’t think of a better way for us to honour this gift than by using to facilitate early communication and bonding”

Deirdre :)

More excitement!!

2011-07-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Being nominated for the What's On 4 Little Ones UK Junior Awards was amazing. Reaching the final was one of the biggest surprises I have ever had. How did a little Northern Ireland business compete with the 'big guns' in the UK to reach the top 4 'Best Local Activities for Under 5s' in the UK? Wow, even when I say it now I can't help smiling! My Finalist badge will stay on the website forever, yaaay!!

Guess what? Sooo excited as Sign2Music has just got another badge:

Our NI Choice Awards Nomination Badge.
We are nominated in category 6.4
Favourite Northern Ireland Pre-school Activity of the yr

This nomination means so much to me as it is a local Award. It is also a very meaningful Award as it is not only votes that count, the winners are chosen by experts, which would make winning a real achievement. However, we really need votes to get to the final. Sorry to ask again but PLEASE VOTE:

1. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nichoiceawards write on the wall: I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4

2. Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/nichoiceawards tweet: I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4

3. Text Free: to 07716 711 744: NITODAY AWARDS I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4

4. E-mail: to choiceawards@nitoday.co.uk I nominate Sign2Music category 6.4

Thanks so much to those who have voted already. I will keep you posted on our progress!

Hope you all have a lovely summer! Signing Sandy and Daisy Doggy are having a little rest at the minute before the summer sessions commence next week!

Deirdre :)

It's summer time again!

2011-07-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we're into summer term already! Looking forward to summer sessions, summer schemes, more sessions for National Deaf Childrens Society (NDCS) and of course our Annual Sign2Music conference at the end of July.

I also had the chance to take a short break and reflect on the past year, while sitting in a leaking tent in the rain...... What a year it has been for Sign2Music since last summer! Reflecting on where we are now compared to this time a year ago has been refreshing. Not only do we have 2 fab new teachers, Bahia in North Belfast and Laura in East, we have also had a year of HUGE publicity for Sign2Music in Northern Ireland and the UK. The publicity has largely been due to our nominations, and later reaching the final of the What's On 4 Little Ones Junior Awards. We are so grateful to the amazing support we received which helped us get to the final.

From Mar 2011 we have had a number of fab local media articles. Thanks to the newspapers who profiled us:

23 Mar Down Recorder:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/59115168/P26-Down-Recorder-23-Mar-2011

19 April Dromore Leader:

27 April 2011 Down News:
http://www.downnews.co.uk/latest-news/sign2music-leads-way-in-ni-child-signing

I am particularly grateful to Jim Masson, Editor Down News. He not only wrote 2 fab articles but used his influence to campaign on our behalf for votes, as he was impressed by what we do and the benefits it can bring to children!

9 May Andersonstown News:

14 May South Belfast News:

24 May 2011 Down News:
http://www.downnews.co.uk/latest-news/sign2music-waiting-for-the-spark-of-success

9 Jun 2011 Ulster Star:

http://www.lisburntoday.co.uk/lifestyle/jenny_monroe_speaks_to_deirdre_mclaughlin_owner_of_baby_signing_company_sign2music_1_2757474

14 Jun 2011 Irish News:

The Irish News article was fantastic publicity for Sign2Music as one the biggest newspapers in Northern Ireland!

We also had a few shout outs from local celebrities to support our Award nominations: Pete Snodden, Lucy Evangelista and Wendy Austin on Twitter. Wendy Austin even mentioned us on her talkback show! Emma Kearney and Lynda Bryans mentioned us on their Facebook pages.

I am particularly grateful to the local businesses in Northern Ireland, particularly my local Co Down businesses who supported us in reaching the finals. I am so grateful to the new connections I made during this time.

Oh, and did I mention we were on TV? Yes the SevenThirty Show came to visit one of our classes and filmed the class, an interview with me and some of the parents. It was edited to a very short clip, but still great to have Sign2Music featured on TV!

I wonder what the next year will bring.......

Deirdre :)

My First blog post! Where did it all begin?

2011-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm a blogger! I have been meaning to set up a blog since forever and eventually got round to it!

I hope to use this blog to share information about Sign2Music and the benefits of signing with babies and children. I think it is probably best to start by explaining where it all began for me. Here goes!

How Did It All Begin?

When I was in my early twenties (only a couple of years ago!) I did some work and volunteering with Sense NI (the deafblind association). I completed my BSL Stage 1 to support me in this role. When I later qualified and started working as a Social Worker I went on to complete Stage 2. I developed a love of the language and an interest in Deaf culture.

When my twins, Eoghan and Aine, now 15 were young I started using signs with them, not because I had ever heard of 'baby signing', but because it made sense to me that it would aid their communication. Also it was a good way to practise my signing! They were already speaking but took a great interest in fingerspelling which helped them learn to spell and read. They also signed for fun and in situations when I couldn't hear them. I remember them both signing 'I love you' out the window the first time they got the school minbus to go to nursery (aged 35 months). Then I had to walk home, tears tripping me!

How Cara Inspired Me

When my daughter Cara (now 4) was born, I became very interested in the growth of ‘baby signing’ taking place in the United States. I did a lot of internet research and decided to give it a go with her, as it made sense to me.

When Cara was five months old we started signing with her. At five and a half months she did her first signs - daddy, milk and cough! When she was 12 months old she could use 50-70 signs and could tell us how she felt, if she wanted her nappy changed, if she was hungry or thirsty. At the pre-verbal stage she could actually ‘converse’ with her family, her first words coming from her hands rather than her lips!
One of the most amazing 'signing' experiences I had was when Cara was almost 9 months old. I had been breastfeeding but was in the process of weaning, so had introduced a bottle/cup. That night I was breast feeding as normal, but had brought some milk in her cup to give her after, as I knew she would need more. She was getting quite upset as I was feeding her. I signed 'milk' and she lifted her head and signed 'no milk'! When I lifted her cup she got excited and signed 'milk' . I couldn't believe it so I repeated this several times with the same result! That was the last time I breastfed Cara, as there was indeed 'no milk'. I think it was totally amazing that a baby at less than 9 months of age could tell me this so clearly herself. This was also the experience that convinced my husband that this wasn't just another of my 'fads' that I would lose interest in after a while. He has since admitted to me that for the first few months he pretended to be 'into it', signing when I was about. Then as soon as I left the room he didn't bother. I have just about forgiven him!

Cara really inspired me to promote this amazing communication and bonding tool to everyone I could. I thought it would be a good idea to try to set up a wee local class for like minded mums as I had qualifications in sign language, experience of running groups and could sing a bit!

So What Did I do Then?

I had already come across Sign2Me, as I had been using Dr Joseph Garcia's Sign with your Baby pack. Sign2Me is the original Baby Signing Organisation, based on Dr Joseph Garcia's 'SIGN with your BABY' programme, a straightforward and fun approach to showing infants how to communicate using simple signs borrowed from sign language. I gained accreditation and became part of the Sign2Me presenters network in May 2007 and 'Sign 2 Music' was born!

Actually when I say Sign2Music was born on this date that is not strictly true! Sign2Music was called Signing Kids at first. What a nightmare it was trying to find a name I liked that hadn't been used before. I wanted to incorporate the musical aspect of the programmes I had created which is why I changed the name after a few months.

It may be surprising to some people that it has not all been 'plain sailing' for Sign2Music. In fact it took me almost a full year to get a viable class. People I encountered (including within my own family) seemed at least sceptical and at most hostile and angry that I would 'sign' with a hearing child! The 'wee class' that I planned to start was only meant to be a place to bring Cara and share the benefits with others. It was never intended to become a career choice for me, just a short term hobby!

Those who know me well will tell you that I can be very single minded! Rather than putting me off, this lack of interest and knowledge made me more determined to make people understand what a wonderful tool this is!

I want to finish by saying thanks to a few people: To the nice woman who tutted and muttered under her breath when I was signing with Cara in a supermarket; To my lovely dad for telling me to 'stop the nonsense 'cos people will think there's something wrong with her'; To the parents for saying no and giving me 'that look' when invited to come to a class. Thanks to everyone who doubted the benefits of signing in the early days despite the research and evidence to the contrary. You fuelled my dogged determination and I can now say without doubt SIGNING WORKS. And so can many, many parents and carers throughout Northern Ireland!

Deirdre :)