Saby
S igns

STORY BY ALAN HITSKY
STAFF PHOTOS BY ANGIE BAAN

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even youngsters under the age of 1 are taking a spe-
cial language class this spring at Temple Beth El — a
baby sign language class.
Taught by speech and language pathologist Ericka
Lipman, the class meets once a week at the temple for 45
minutes. Babies and moms can learn up to 36 hand signs
that help with meals, bath and bed time, pets, getting
dressed and at the park.
Based on 20 years of research and the book Baby Signs,
the class increases language skills, reduces frustration and
builds trust, Lipman says. Three-year-old children who
were taught baby sign between birth and age 2, she says,
talk like 4-year-olds and, as 8-year-olds, have intelligence
quotients (IQ) 12 points higher.
Lipman, of West Bloomfield, is one of four teachers in
Metro Detroit who have been certified to teach the pro-
gram. With a 3-year-old and 10-month-old twins, the
classes allow Lipman to keep active professionally while
continuing to be a stay-at-home mom.L1

For more information on baby sign classes, call Ericka
Lipman, (248) 360-1323, or go to babysigns.com .

"re

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Top: Terri Thav and Rachel, 7 months, and Joshua
Pollack and Rochelle Gach, all ofWest Bloomfield, help
Ericka Lipman play parachute.

Above left: Karen Schoenberg of Birmingham opens and
closes her hands to tell Cooper, 101/2 months, it's time for
a book.

Above right: Karin and Emily Stollman-Johnson, 101 /2
months, of Bloomfield Hills.

Left: Jack Freeman, 10 months, ofWest Bloomfield looks
for his own sign.

Right: Class instructor Ericka Lipman explains signs
with BeeBo the bear and Joshua Pollack, 11 months,
and grandma Rochelle Gach ofWest Bloomfield.

4/21
2005

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