A SIGN language class for babies is taking the time to celebrate their teacher of the year as their festive parties are in full swing.
Local TinyTalk Baby Signing teacher Mollie Prior has had the chance to share her award win celebrations with the young learners and their families at a host of Christmas parties.
The parties have been full of festive fun, with babies and toddlers coming dressed as little angels, mini Santa’s and cheeky elves.
‘Big TinyTalkers’ have been joining in the celebrations. Some came dressed as a family of Grinches, and others as giant crackers and a even nutcracker.
Top Toddler Teacher of 2023, Mollie, was crowned at their national conference. She has been teaching sign language to families across Worcestershire for seven years to an average of 150 families each term.
Award winner Mollie Prior said: “Celebrating the festive season with our Christmas parties has been the perfect way to finish an incredible year.
“We have so much to be thankful for, the support of our wonderful families who have embraced sign language into their lives and the gift of communication between parents and their little ones.
“To be recognised as the Top Toddler Teacher in the UK for 2023 is so heartwarming, for me personally and for all the families that have benefitted from our classes over the last 7 years. It’s been the perfect Christmas present.”
TinyTalk’s one hour classes are held weekly at local venues Droitwich Methodist Church and Crowle Parish Hall. The sessions are full of songs, games, books and sensory activities followed by playtime and refreshments.
During the classes babies and parents are taught signs from British Sign Language to help their little ones communicate before they can speak, ‘giving them a voice’- allowing them to express their thoughts and needs.
This results in far fewer frustrations and tantrums, and very happy, understood babies.
There are toddler talking classes too where we still teach sign but the emphasis moves onto talking and other valuable skills such as turn taking, team work, sharing and social skills.
Samantha Whitaker, TinyTalk toddler coordinator says: “Mollie really goes that extra mile for her families, her fantastic outfits and love for the classes really shines through.
“She wants to shout about signing from the rooftops, she has amazing skills to get her stories across. Her mini teacher Natalie really sings her praises and it shows that they are a fantastic team”.
