What to expect in the first 4 weeks of starting Signalong for Babies

Starting a new activity with your baby can feel exciting, a little daunting, and you might be full of questions. If you’re about to begin, have started, or are thinking about starting Signalong for Babies, this blog post will walk you through exactly what you can expect in the first four weeks of the course.

Our Signalong for Babies courses are designed to be gentle, playful, and pressure-free. Each course runs for 8 weeks. During the course you’ll learn how to perform signs from the Learning Cards, and every session will end with the Trainer signing a nursery rhyme to bring everyone together and end the session in a fun and relaxed way. Each week you will receive a Learning Card to use during the session and take home with you. By the end of the course, you will have the complete set of 8 Learning Cards.

Week 1: Settling in and Getting Comfortable

The first week is all about settling in for both you and your baby. You will meet our qualified Signalong for Babies Trainer and have a chance to connect with other parents in your local area.

You’ll be introduced to:

• What Signalong for Babies is and the Key to Signalong (handshapes to perform our signs – cards 1 and 2)

• You’ll be shown how to perform the signs on Learning Cards 3 and 4 where you then repeat the signs modelling them to your baby and/or modelling the signs on your babies’ hands.

• Free play and chat with your babies to bond, have fun, and play with other children.

• A Nursery Rhyme

At this stage, babies are not expected to copy signs. Instead, they are watching, listening, and taking everything in around them.

You may feel unsure about remembering the signs, that’s completely normal. After each session, you will be provided with the card you have learnt from to take home and use. Repetition is built into each session and you are encouraged to repeat the signs at home for your baby during everyday routines such as feeding, changing or playtime. For example, signs learnt in week 1 include bath and bed.

George looking through our Signalong for Babies Learning Cards

Week 2: Familiar Face and Growing Confidence

By week two, the class environment will feel more familiar for both you and your baby. During this session, you’ll have the chance to provide feedback from the previous session and revisit any signs you were unsure about when modelling at home. The Trainer will then teach the signs from Learning Cards 5 and 6 and demonstrate another Nursery Rhyme. Similar to week one, there will also be the opportunity to talk to the other parents and play before the sessions ends. You will then model the signs back with your baby. Signs on Learning Cards 5 and 6 include coat and blanket.

Week 3: Repetition and Recognition

Week three is where things really start to click, especially for adults. By now, you’ll have a small but growing collection of signs and a clearer understanding of how to use Signalong in everyday life.

By week three, your baby may begin to show excitement when familiar nursery rhymes are sung, watch your hands when signing more closely, and even smile and babble during signing activities.

During this session the Trainer will also cover milestones for a 9-month-old baby before demonstrating the signs on Learning Cards 7 and 8 for you to model back. Before the session ends a Nursery Rhyme will be performed and you’ll have the chance to catch up with the other parents and enjoy some relaxation.

Mum and daughter modelling Signalong for Babies during an online course

Week 4: Building a Routine

By the fourth week, Signalong often feels like a natural part of your weekly routine. You’ll naturally review signs from previous weeks in your own time. You will also start to feel more relaxed using signs without thinking too hard about them.

Many families notice that signing has started to slip into daily life, during meals, play or bedtime routine. While some babies won’t be signing back yet (and that’s absolutely fine, repetition is key, don’t give up), they are building strong foundations for:

• Understanding language

• Expressing needs later on

• Developing early communication skills

  
  

Ending with the nursery rhyme each week continues to bring the group together and reminds everyone that Signalong for Babies is meant to be joyful and fun. During week four’s session you’ll learn the signs on Learning Cards 9 and 10 including signs for listen and hello.

Signalong for Babies Courses

The first four weeks are just the beginning of your 8-week Signalong journey, and you’re already giving your baby a wonderful foundation for communication. During the last four weeks, you will learn the remaining Learning Cards and additional Nursery Rhymes.

Want to join a course? Discover our qualified Signalong for Babies Trainers offering training here. Wondering what’s next? After completing a Signalong for Babies course, you could take your learning further and join a Signalong for Toddlers course, where you’ll learn an additional 84 signs and different Nursery Rhymes most appropriate for children aged 18 months to 3 years old.

Key Reminder

Every baby develops at their own pace. Some may start using signs later in the course, some much later, and some may simply enjoy watching and listening for now. The key is to not give up. Signalong for Babies isn’t about rushing milestones, it’s about connections, communication, and shared enjoyment.

Want to find out more?

We’d love to hear from you. Email emmajermany@signalong.org.uk to find out more about Signalong for Babies, training opportunities, and how Signalong for Babies could benefit you.