My Smart Hands Austin Blog
Early Childhood Critical Time to Learn Sign Language
August 30, 2009

People who learn sign language from birth use a brain region that those who learn to sign later in life can't
access, a new study suggests.

The visual and spatial demands of sign language appear to activate a specific part of the brain, the
researchers say. However, only those who learn non-spoken languages from birth seem to develop the full
potential of this brain area.  Read more......
Capitol School Charity Event
Nov. 10, 2009

MSH participated in the Casino Night Charity Event at the Capitol School of Austin. We have had 2 students
and their families who attend this school take our Level I class. It is a wonderful non-profit organization for
young children with language and learning differences. Please take a look at their website and find out more
about how they are caring for the children of Austin! www.capitolschool.com
Benefits of signing and reading books (From Goddard Blog)
Dec. 22, 2009

    At the Goddard School of Cedar Park, we begin sign language with babies in
    our infant suite.  We do this because it accelerates speech development and
    promotes early childhood literacy.  Today’s article is by guest
    contributor, Tara Kendrick, mom-entrepreneur and owner of
    My Smart Hands Austin, which teaches sign language to hearing babies,
    toddlers and their families.


I think one of my favorite things to do with my boys is to read and sign books.
As babies my boys started out enjoying turning pages, pointing out pictures and lifting flaps.  Then it
was reading a story and them memorizing the words as a read the book for the hundredth time.  Now
that my oldest is 3 year old, he wants me to use his finger to follow the words as I read to him. It is so
amazing to see their love of language at such a young age....more