Baby sign and rhyme sessions at library

The Wheatsheaf Library in Rochdale is now providing ‘Sign and Rhyme’ sessions for babies and children up to four years old and their parents/carers.

The free sessions include songs, rhymes and stories.

Margaret Packham from Rochdale Council, a qualified British Sign Language Communicator, said: “Children can learn to use signs before they can talk, so encouraging babies and young children with signs helps them to communicate and reduces frustration.”
Baby signing is a type of communication that babies as young as six months old can use to communicate with their parents and carers. Babies of this age are capable of understanding but their ability to speak doesn’t develop until they are 12 to 18 months old.

In these sessions, babies will have a couple of stories and some rhymes which parents will be able to join in with. Parents will also be taught a few signs which they can use to help them communicate with their baby in a fun and enjoyable way.

The sessions are held on Tuesday mornings from 10.30 until 11.15 (term time only). There is no charge, and organisers promise there will be time for a chat and a drink afterwards too.

Booking is not required.

Any parents/carers interested in the sessions are welcome to drop into the Wheatsheaf Library to find out more or contact Margaret Packham on 01706 924917 (Minicom 01706 924935).