KARRATHA WEEKEND COURSES - APRIL 2008
More and more parents are becoming aware of the benefits of teaching pre-verbal babies key signs to aid their communication, reduce frustration levels and help develop early speech. Living in remote parts of Australia can often mean that there are fewer opportunities to learn new skills and attend classes which are freely available to those living in the cities.

A group of interested parents approached LINK (Local Information Network Karratha), a government funded organisation and asked them to arrange for a Signing Hands Course to be run in Karratha. I was more than happy to travel from Perth to run the course and it took place in April 2008.

It was extremely successful. It was well supported by local parents who attended classes over 2 days and were taught the basic signs needed to begin early communication with their babies. They learned the correct techniques for introducing signs and were shown many ways in which to incorporate signing into their daily routines - as an addition to speech. The classes were great fun!

Follow up support is always available to anyone who attends a Signing Hands course and communication via phone, email and Skype followed after the weekend for as long as parents required it.

"After hearing fantastic reports about Debbie and her Signing Hands classes, Local Information Network Karratha (LINK) Inc. felt the need to get in touch with Debbie to see if she would be interested in travelling to Karratha to run a series of workshops. From the first discussion that we had with Debbie we knew that she was passionate about the courses and invited her to come along.

Over two days Debbie ran four workshops, each with approximately 15 parents (along with their gorgeous babies) attending. The workshops were interesting, fun and interactive. I was so surprised how quickly the parents, even myself, picked it up. Overall, Debbie's visit was an excellent success. I now have parents constantly enquiring when Debbie will be back for more workshops."

Shannan Roche
Parenting Information Projects Officer
Local Information network Karratha

NEW COURSE IN KARRATHA - NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008
SIGNING HANDS is delighted to announce that a second KARRATHA course is scheduled for November 2008, giving advanced classes for those who attended in April and new beginner sessions for those who will come for the first time.

Please contact Bianca, the Parenting Information Projects Officer at LINK on
9144 2150 if you would like more information or to book a place.
link_karratha@bigpond.com

SIGNING HANDS - BABY SIGNING PRESENTATIONS
Signing Hands has conducted information sessions for a variety of associations who have wanted to give their parents more information regarding the benefits of using key signs with pre-verbal babies and toddlers.

These sessions involve a brief introduction to signing with hearing babies, how it originated, the benefits which can be gained from doing it and the research which has gone into assessing the benefits.

A clear explanation is given into how to go about starting to sign with your baby and the first 6 key signs are demonstrated and practised. Handouts are provided with descriptions / pictures of the signs and helpful information regarding available classes is also passed on for parents who are interested in starting to sign with their own child.

These information sessions have taken place at:-
• West Stirling Neighbourhood House, Doubleview
• Thornlie Church of Christ
• High Wycombe & Maida Vale Breastfeeding Association
• Swan - Mundaring Breastfeeding Association
  (To be held on Monday 24th November 2008 - 9.30 a.m.)

If you would like more information about the Swan - Mundaring Breastfeeding Association talk or would like to book an information session for your organisation please contact Debbie: 0437 803978

For more information regarding the Australian Breastfeeding Association please follow this link www.breastfeeding.asn.au