Best Start Hub Helping Toddlers Communicate Before They Can Speak

Written by admin on 28 October 2012

Parents and caregivers enjoy learning Infant Sign with their little ones thanks to the help of Early Literacy Facilitator Karin MacKenzie. Photos Kristy Lachance

Early Literacy Facilitator Karin MacKenzie visit the Manitouwadge Best Start Hub to present a workshop on Infant Sign. Photos Kristy Lachance

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Wednesday, October 24th, the Manitouwadge Best Start Hub welcomed Early Literacy Facilitator Karin MacKenzie for a workshop about Infant Sign Language.

Parents and caregivers learned about the benefits of pre-verbal communication, infant sign language basics, and fun songs and games they could share with their infants through this special form of sign language. Manitouwadge was the final Hub on the Northshore at which MacKenzie was offering the workshop having previously visited other Hubs in her region which includes centres from Mobert through to Armstrong and including the Municipality of Greenstone.

MacKenzie explained to OntarioNewsNorth.com that though she often hears questions regarding whether using sign can delay speech in infants and toddlers, the opposite is acutally true and that in her experience any positive literary interaction with infants wether it is signing, singing or reading to little ones, encourages their interest in verbal communication.

Parents are reminded that Baby’s Beginnings, like all the drop-ins at the Best Start Hub, is offered at no cost. Drop-in programs at the Hub are open to all parents and caregivers in the community though some, like Baby’s Beginnings, are more beneficial to certain age groups. For full details on the programs and services offered at the Best Start Hub contact Program Coordinator Kristy Lachance at 826-2883 or visit them on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.