Sign-a-Song TM at a Glance
"In Brooklyn, babies are flocking to
Sign-a-Song
classes..."
We all naturally sign with our babies -- we wave, we point, we clap our hands. Imagine taking it a step further -- adding American Sign Language. There are endless possibilities. Infants and preverbal toddlers can let you know when they are tired or hungry. They can indicate that they prefer milk or a cracker. Early exposure to American Sign Language is a fun way to build communication, alleviate frustration, and encourage further language development. At Sign-a-Song babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers are introduced to American Sign Language vocabulary through live music, finger-moving songs, stories, and activities.
Sign-a-Song was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn in November, 2001. Andrea
Fixell, then a
new mother
and teacher, started a musical
sign language class
for friends and their babies. With its innovative curriculum, live music,
and original songs, Sign-a-Song has been hailed as an educational and
entertaining language enriching experience.
Founder/Director
received her
Masters degree
from Teachers College, Columbia University in Deaf Education in 1991. Since then she has been a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students in both private and public
New York City school settings
. She has provided services as an educator at
St. Francis School
for the Deaf, LaGuardia Community College's Program for Deaf Adults and the New York City Department of Education. In addition to Sign-a-Song, she presently serves as the American Sign Language Adviser for
Sesame Street
.
Greg Barresi
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