Singing Hands

Signing fun for little ones

Freya signs 'Bed'

I have been amazed at how engaged the babies are when you start singing. They stop what they are doing and seem mesmerised by your hands moving around. I’ve been to lots of other music groups but this is streets ahead of them…

Useful websites


Aid for Children with Tracheostomies
ACT supports children with tracheostomies and their families
Baby Centre
Lots of information on all sorts of baby-related issues including a section on baby signing
BBC Shop
You can buy ‘Something Special’ DVDs/Videos online – search on ‘Something Special’ when you are on the site and it will take you to the right page.
CBeebies
a fantastic site for children – click on the link for ‘Something Special’. Have a look at ‘Something Special’ on the pages for grown-ups too. There is lots of information about the programme and related games and ideas. See the new section of baby signs too. See www.bbc.co.uk and search ‘What’s On’ and this will tell you when Something Special is being shown.
ChildcareLink
All things to do with childcare. You can click on your local area to find your local Children’s Information Service.
Childs Play
Publisher who produce illustrated baby signing books eg ‘My First Signs’. Currently being re-issued featuring signs from the Makaton vocabulary.
Contact a Family
The UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children
Down Syndrome Education Trust
A UK charity which aims to provide information, training and advice to promote the development of individuals with Down Syndrome worldwide
downsyndrome OK
A registered charity led by parents to promote help for people with Down's Syndrome, parents, carers and professionals in SE England
Forest Books
The one-stop shop for books on all types of sign language (BSL, ASL, Makaton).
I can
One in ten children have a communication disability. I Can is the children's communication charity which aims to help these children and their families.
Isn't She Talking Yet?
India Knight's weblog for Times Online. A forum for parents of children with additional needs to share information, news and ideas.
Makaton
Includes all the contact details for the Makaton Vocabulary Development Project and a list of their numerous resources. These include: pocket books of signs and symbols, DVD/Videos of the BBC’s ‘Something Special’ and ‘Makaton Nursery Rhymes’. A number of corresponding ‘Something Special’ pocket books of signs are also now available as is the booklet ‘Makaton Signing for babies’.
Me too and Co
An independent voluntary organisation which aims to help children with additional needs and their families. They offer weekly play sessions, talks, workshops, complementary therapies and counselling. All sessions are free.
Mumsnet
Lots of information and forums on all sorts of baby-related issues, including Special Needs.
National Literacy Trust
Site all about literacy issues – includes ‘Talk to your Baby’ campaign and discussion about baby signing
Netmums
Lots of information on baby-related issues and things to do in your local area
Sure Start
Sure Start is a government scheme which aims to bring together early education, childcare, health and family support.
The Down's Syndrome Association
Whose objectives are to provide information and support for people with Down's Syndrome, their families and carers and a resource for interested professionals.
The National Deaf Children's Society
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is dedicated to providing support, information and advice for deaf children and young people, their families and professionals working with them
Winslow
Buy Makaton resources online. Search on ‘Makaton’ to view their range of products available through this catalogue. This site provides a huge range or specialist books, assessment tools, software and resources for a multitude of conditions relating to education, special needs, speech and language, social problems and mental health issues.

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© Singing Hands 2006