Your baby's language development is happening LONG before they can talk. Communication includes non-verbal language as well as music. Baby is reading your face, following your actions, and trying to imitate you earlier then you think. (So set a good example :)) Studies have shown that babies are perceptive to rhythm, tempo, and pitch even from the time they are in the womb. This is why they respond so well to nursery rhymes, songs, and high-pitch voices. All of these things help a little brain absorb new language skills. 

​Using just a few common signs can make a world of a difference in enabling your child to communicate. Sign is useful from about 7-18 months because this age has SOO much to say but are not yet able to talk. Empowering your baby with tools for communicating before they are able to speak also can mitigate major drama during a frustrating time in their lives. Don't worry about learning a million signs, here are the ones you'll use most: 'MORE,' 'MILK,' 'EAT,' 'ALL DONE,' 'BOOK,' AND 'PLAY' you can learn these signs and more here!

I remember feeling so silly signing to my baby all the time (especially in public) but a little embarrassment was totally worth it because by 9 months old, my baby was signing and by 14 months, she was saying the words while signing. Ever since, she has blown us away with her language skills. She also always felt 'in-the-know' about what we were doing or what activity was coming up next and this gave her a sense of security and confidence from age 1-2 making her a much more enjoyable little tyke! But the key is to do it OFTEN, repetition is the only way baby will learn. 

"We often only worry about showing our kids what not to do but what we really should be focusing on is what we ARE doing in front of our children." Here are some tips from expert Speech Therapist, Ivy Schantz on how you can better facilitate your child's learning simply by being more aware of the way you speak.
​By guest blogger, Ivy Schantz M.S.,CCC-SLP

​Emotional Intelligence is something we'll be discussing in our Intellidance® Babies class this week but can be a beneficial discussion for ALL parents so I wanted to share this out! 

​​When we think back to our school days, or even days earlier if we can, we never really remember learning our body parts (except of course the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" which will never leave our memories). In the Intellidance® curriculum, we are deliberate in our teaching and understanding of the body from our brains to our toes, shaping children who are appreciative, aware, and in full control of their bodies.

​While two-year-old's LOVE dance, they are challenged by the experience of a structured class. Dance class for this age can take the form of organized chaos and let's be honest, it can be stressful for parents, teachers, and the little tots themselves!