Isn’t frustrating not understanding what your baby is trying to say. Even after getting through your check list of possible reasons why the baby is crying (is the diaper wet? does he need milk?; does he wants his toy? etc.), you still don’t know what they want. They cry even more because it also frustrates them when you don’t understand what their trying to say. Worry no more, My Smart Hands can help you and your baby communicate better.
My Smart Hands offers sign language and play classes for hearing babies and toddlers. It uses 100% American Sign Language. Classes were first offered in Canada, where Laura Berg resided. Today, with nearly 100 instructors providing the opportunity for families to sign with their babies, it has gained recognition in several countries, especially North America and Canada. Beneficiaries of My Smart Hands witnessed the benefits of signing, such as the decrease of frustration in babies, stronger parent-child bonding, and developed confidence. Meanwhile, the long-term effects of learning American Sign Language are higher levels of IQ and increased spelling skills and reading comprehension among children.
Having been exposed to special education, Alaine Antonio, a graduate student of Special Education from the University of the Philippines, is familiar with sign language and its benefits. She discovered My Smart Hands in 2009 when she stumbled upon a video of a 12-month-old baby on the Internet.
Alaine passed on this information to her sister residing in Florida in the US, who then brought My Smart Hands into her home. Alaine’s nephew in the United States was her first teacher in sign language. He is only 2 years old and has been diagnosed to have cerebral palsy. Although her nephew is able to hear, he has a speech delay because of this diagnosis. However, he is still able to communicate effectively. He taught Alaine with his hands that although he has no voice, he is still able to speak. While children with disabilities benefit from this program, regular children reap the same benefits as well. Alaine witnessed during her trip overseas the remarkable effects of sign language on young children. When Alaine came back to the Philippines, she brought home a certification in American Sign Language and My Smart Hands, Asia.
Classes are available for both parents and/or child.
My Smart Hands Level I
o Who is it for: parents/caregivers and children
o Duration of the class: 45-minute classes that run in either 8 or 10 weeks
o What will be learned: over 100 signs for everyday words (such as family, food, animals, emotions, opposites, bedtime, play signs and more) learned in a playful, educational language-rich environment through instruction, interactive games and songs.
o Instructional materials: full-color MSH curriculum book with a CD of songs we teach
My Smart Hands Level II
o Who is it for: graduates of My Smart Hands Level I class or children with basic ASL comprehension
o Duration of the class: 45-minute classes that run in either 8 or 10 weeks
o What will be learned: over 120 signs spread in weekly themes (such as people, food, animals, emotions, opposites, weather, color signs and more) learned in a playful, educational language-rich environment through instruction, interactive games and songs.
o Instructional materials: full-color MSH curriculum book with a CD of songs we teach
Sign and Sing Classes
o Who is it for: multi-age children
o Duration of the class: 45-minute classes that run in 4 weeks
o What will be learned: signs that go along with traditional and modern children’s songs*, games and books
Parent Workshops
o Who is it for: busy parents who are unable to take a full 8-week class
o Duration of the workshop: 1 day for 2 hours
o What will be learned: over 50 recommended first signs and easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life
o Instructional materials: easy-to-use workbook for everyday use, sign poster, etc
Educator Workshop
o Who is it for: teachers who want to incorporate ASL into the current curriculum
o Duration of the workshop: 1-2 hours
o What will be learned:
o research supporting the use of sign language in the classroom
o vocabulary and resources specific to classroom use
o customized according to the specific needs of the school
Educators Without Borders
o Who is it for: schools that want to offer My Smart Hands, Asia classes in their school as an
enrichment program. MSHA would then provide an instructor to the school/institution
For more information visit their website at http://MySmartHands.asia
Or visit their head office at
9F Trafalgar Plaza
105 HV Dela Costa St.
Salcedo Village, Makati Philippines
Landline: 996 2393
Mobile: (0928) 5521071
Email: alaineantonio@mysmarthands.com
