CLOSED: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner Christy.
YOU CAN VIEW OUR LIST OF GIVEAWAY WINNERS HERE.

INTERESTED IN USING SIGN LANGUAGE WITH YOUR BABY OR TODDLER? DON’T MISS THIS GIVEAWAY!
An Interview with Amy-Hope Guisleman, from Spring Into Learning

What led you to teach your children more than just those basics?
When our oldest son was about 8 or 9 months old, I discovered Baby Signing Time which led us to teach him signs for pets, family members, toys, etc. When he was about 18 months we started learning even more signs as we began learning the signs taught on the regular Signing Time videos as well.

What are the benefits of signing with infants and toddlers?
Two of the key benefits during these early years are early communication and reduced frustration. Children are able to begin signing between 6 and 14 months of age - much earlier than they typically begin speaking clearly. Toddlers experience a great deal of frustration due to not being understood. They understand a lot of what we say, but we cannot understand them and they find this very frustrating. Children who are taught sign language can clarify what they need or want and so experience much less frustration (and typically fewer tantrums) than their non-signing counterparts.

These are only two common benefits of signing with infants and toddlers – the full range of benefits are hard to put into words and really must be experienced first-hand. It is so much fun to teach your very young child something so perfectly suited to his or her ability level (children develop control of their hands and bodies long before they develop the control of their mouths necessary for clear speech). Your child will love to learn to sign and you will love to see her learning. Time spent reading books together will be more fun and will hold your child’s interest more as you incorporate signs you have learned. Mealtime may be less stressful as your child begins to incorporate signs to express his desires. You will be able to easily communicate with your child across a room or while other children are sleeping without making a lot of noise. I could go on an on about the potential benefits for your interaction with your child, but the best recommendation is to try it first hand and see what you think!

What types of classes does Spring Into Learning offer?
We currently teach two types of classes: Baby Signing Time Play and Sign Classes are 30-45 minute classes that meet once per week and use stories, songs, and activities to introduce and/or reinforce signs to you and your children from birth up until their fourth birthday. (I am flexible on age; please talk with me if you have questions about which class is most appropriate for your child or if you need for an older child to attend with a younger sibling.) Start Out Signing Workshop is a 2-hour workshop designed for the new or expectant parent who has little to no experience signing with children. Parents are introduced to the many benefits of signing with children and taught many of the most useful signs for signing with infants and toddlers. Tips and activities for signing with young children will also be provided.

Our Giveaway:

Spring Into Learning is giving away one free 4-week module of Play and Sign Classes with supporting materials (a $60 value) OR one free Start out Signing Workshop with supporting materials (a $65 value) to one lucky reader. PLUS- They are offering 10% off any September class (either Play and Sign or Parent Workshop) for anyone who registers through their site by August 31st and enters "Deals for Dayton" in the comment box on the registration page.

How To Enter:

Main entry: Check out Spring Into Learning and tell us what class you like would want to win. (Be sure to leave your comment on this post so that it gets counted)

Additional Entries:

Well, here are some more ways you can enter, just be sure to leave a additional comment for each additional entry requirement that you fulfill.

- Follow Deals For Dayton on Facebook, if you already do just leave leave that in your comment. Be sure to leave your comment on this post.

- Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. If you already do just leave leave that in your comment. Be sure to leave your comment on this post.

This contest ends Saturday, August 27, at midnight EST. We will use Random.org to pick our winner. Amy-Hope Guisleman is a sponsor of DealsForDayton.com

Photo credit: Tiny Fingers