'Nuff said. :)
Class is off this week for school holidays.
The following week is the Halloween party! Come with babies in fancy dress!
Friday, 16 October 2009
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
New Session and New Website
Next week is the start of the Autumn session of TinyTalk.
It's hard to believe it; it means summer is well and truly over (as if the rain hadn't already made that abundantly clear...)
If you are planning on pre-booking but haven't sent me your forms, that is fine. At this point it makes more sense to wait until next week and hand in your forms there.
Below is a quick reminder of term dates:
Mondays
Wemyss Bay Community Centre
11am - 12pm
14 September - 7 December (No class on 19 October - School Holidays)
Fridays
Kilmacolm Guide Hut
11am- 12pm
18 September - 11 December (No class on 23 October - School Holidays)
In other news, I have a new website: tinytalkinverclyde.co.uk. This blog will still be a part of it, but the website gives more information to people interested in baby signing locally. It'll also host pictures of class parties and events. You can get to the blog from there too.
So that's that. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again soon!
It's hard to believe it; it means summer is well and truly over (as if the rain hadn't already made that abundantly clear...)
If you are planning on pre-booking but haven't sent me your forms, that is fine. At this point it makes more sense to wait until next week and hand in your forms there.
Below is a quick reminder of term dates:
Mondays
Wemyss Bay Community Centre
11am - 12pm
14 September - 7 December (No class on 19 October - School Holidays)
Fridays
Kilmacolm Guide Hut
11am- 12pm
18 September - 11 December (No class on 23 October - School Holidays)
In other news, I have a new website: tinytalkinverclyde.co.uk. This blog will still be a part of it, but the website gives more information to people interested in baby signing locally. It'll also host pictures of class parties and events. You can get to the blog from there too.
So that's that. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again soon!
Monday, 17 August 2009
Teddy Bears' Picnic: Take 2- Friday
Yesterday was the first (perhaps annual?) Teddy Bears' Picnic. I can't believe the rain stayed off JUST LONG ENOUGH to eat our lunches, sing a few songs, read a book and play on the playground for half an hour. It was perfect.
Many of you couldn't make it on Monday, so I'm having another one this Friday. The details are: from noon onwards at Gourock Park (the bunny park) on Friday 21st August. Bring a picnic, a blanket (we were all crowded onto only two!), a teddy and some sunshine. Maybe if we all wish really, really hard, the weather will be beautiful.
Below are a few pictures. We'll meet in the same area again, in the middle of the park on the pavement by the benches.
Many of you couldn't make it on Monday, so I'm having another one this Friday. The details are: from noon onwards at Gourock Park (the bunny park) on Friday 21st August. Bring a picnic, a blanket (we were all crowded onto only two!), a teddy and some sunshine. Maybe if we all wish really, really hard, the weather will be beautiful.
Below are a few pictures. We'll meet in the same area again, in the middle of the park on the pavement by the benches.
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Teddy Bears' Picnic
If you're on the mailing list, you'll have read this already. I'm being lazy and copying/pasting. So....
I can't believe it's August already! Where is this summer going??
A week from Monday (not this coming Monday but the following) is our TinyTalk Teddy Bears' Picnic. Yes, I made it a Teddy Bears' Picnic instead of a regular old boring picnic. Picnics are always better when teddy bears are invited.
It will be held from noon onwards at Gourock Park (the bunny park) on Monday the 17th August. It's just a fun little get-together, so bring friends, family or whomever. And of course, don't forget to bring Teddy! We'll have a picnic, and if we all feel brave enough, maybe even sing a few songs.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
(I know some of my Friday class-ers can't make a Monday. Email me - lorim@tinytalk.co.uk - if you want to do a picnic on Friday too, and if a couple of you email me, we can arrange to do that on the 21st.)
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
"Swine Language" Book for Babies!
A book to help parents teach babies and young children sign language for swine flu symptoms has been launched by a Scottish childcare expert.
It includes the baby sign language for "hot", "cold", "pain" and "more water".
Haha, while it's not a bad idea (kinda funny actually), there's no need to rush off and buy a book! If you want to teach your baby the signs to help them indicate illness, here are the ones listed above:
Hot = With your palm facing towards your forehead and hand flat, swipe your hand across your forehead then close your fingers at the end, as if you were wiping sweat from your forehead.
Cold = With both arms bent at your side and fists close, "shiver" your arms rapidly.
Pain = Using your dominant hand, extend all fingers and shake your hand like you've just hurt it. Don't forget good facial expressions!
More = Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your tummy, flat and palm facing inwards. Then with your dominant hand, pat the back of the other hand a couple of times.
Water = Put your thumb and pointer finger together and draw a line from your ear to your mouth.
And of course, don't forget to say the word as you sign it!
And since we are on the topic of swine flu, here is a copy of TinyTalk's official swine flu policy. I know here in Greenock it seems to be a little less worrisome than it was, but when kids go back to school, the outbreak may resume its intensity. So for when classes start back up in September, here's our policy:
TinyTalk Inverclyde
Swine Flu Policy
TinyTalk is taking the potential threat of swine flu very seriously.
Please take a moment to read how we all aim to minimise any risk.
If I get ill
1. If I am diagnosed with swine flu or suspected swine flu I will not teach classes.
2. If I have to cancel a class I will do so as early as possible. It is really important that I have current phone numbers, both home and mobile and an email address where possible.
3. In the case of cancellation I will try to offer replacement classes or, if not, a refund.
If you get swine flu or suspect you might have it
1. If you have any flu symptoms please don’t come to the classes. Young children and pregnant women (there might be some of you out there!) are classed as highly susceptible and ‘at risk’.
Hopefully no-one will be afflicted with swine flu but here is a list of symptoms, taken from the NHS website. The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may cause more serious complications.
The typical symptoms of swine flu are:
• a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above), and
• a sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
• a headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing,
• and a loss of appetite.
Also, to reassure you, I will of course continue to ensure that the instruments and toys, that have had a good ‘suck’, are very well cleaned!
Let’s all keep healthy!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
July 2009 TinyTalker Newsletter
Summer Wrap-Up
Ah, what a beautiful summer we’ve had (touch wood). Thanks to all of you for taking an hour out of the sunshine each week to come sign and sing with us. It’s been a good term. The new class in Wemyss Bay is gathering some momentum, while the Kilmacolm class continues to be a great crowd – especially when everyone comes on the same day! I really loving teaching these classes, and I hope it shows. I truly have the best job in the world; I get to sing songs, play with babies and watch them learn to sign, and meet tons of wonderful ladies (this means you) who really end up becoming my friends in the process.
First Signs and Birthdays
This term we awarded First Sign certificates to five babies. Congratulations to Finlay who began signing over the Easter break and received his certificate the first day back. Congratulations to Ruairidh for getting a certificate for signing ‘milk’ and who is now using lots of other signs too. Congratulations Orla, for also signing ‘milk’. And congratulations to Erin and Isla who both started signing ‘milk’ just in time for a certificate to be awarded on the last day of term. It’s been great to see your progress!
There were lots of first birthdays this term too. Happy birthday to Canaan and Orla (from over the Easter break), Mila and Finlay. And happy birthday to Ciara, Cameron, Abby and Erin, who will have their first birthdays during the summer break! I’ll try not to get emotional about babies growing up too fast...
Father’s Day and Upcoming Special Days
This term we held a special Father’s Day class on the Saturday before Father’s Day. It was a really good turn out and a lot of fun. For once, the menfolk outnumbered the women, and to my surprise, the dads really got into it! You fellas ought to come along more often!
The upcoming Autumn term will include a Halloween party, because nothing is cuter than babies in fancy dress, and a Christmas party. Both will be during usual class time.
Pre-booking your TinyTalk place
Term dates for Autumn are 14 (Mon) and 18 (Fri) September – 7 (Mon) and 11 (Fri) December with no classes the week of 19-23 October (School Holidays). To book ahead, you can fill out the booking form and return it either by post or on the first day back. The advantages of booking ahead include the discounted rate (£3.50 per class instead of £4 for dropping in) and no need to remember cash each week. The full session is 12 classes at £42. However, there is also the option of booking for a lesser number of classes, if you know you will likely be missing a few. You can always book for half a term or something like 10/12, if that suits you better. Life with babies is often unpredictable, so I want to be as flexible as possible, making your life a little easier.
Free Summer ‘Get-Together’
With everything being off for mums and babies during the holidays, we start going a bit stir crazy, and so do our babies! So I’m planning an informal picnic and sing-song time for Monday, the 17th August, which is right in the middle of the break. It’s free – just a chance to catch up, play outside, sing some favourite songs and brush up on our signs. It’ll be in Gourock Park (the ‘bunny park’) at 12 noon. We’ll all bring our lunches and some blankets and hopefully get some nice weather! (If it’s raining badly, we’ll cancel it, but if it’s just overcast or dreary, I’ll still be there.) I’ll send a reminder out closer to time.
Happy Summer Holidays!
Some of you have some lovely holidays planned. I hope you have a great time – I will be sitting here feeling very jealous! For the rest of us, let’s hope we have more of this glorious sunshine and less of these awful midges, so we can enjoy the rest of the summer. See you all in September. And hey, if you find yourself really bored over the break from all the baby groups, let’s organise something else!
Ah, what a beautiful summer we’ve had (touch wood). Thanks to all of you for taking an hour out of the sunshine each week to come sign and sing with us. It’s been a good term. The new class in Wemyss Bay is gathering some momentum, while the Kilmacolm class continues to be a great crowd – especially when everyone comes on the same day! I really loving teaching these classes, and I hope it shows. I truly have the best job in the world; I get to sing songs, play with babies and watch them learn to sign, and meet tons of wonderful ladies (this means you) who really end up becoming my friends in the process.
First Signs and Birthdays
This term we awarded First Sign certificates to five babies. Congratulations to Finlay who began signing over the Easter break and received his certificate the first day back. Congratulations to Ruairidh for getting a certificate for signing ‘milk’ and who is now using lots of other signs too. Congratulations Orla, for also signing ‘milk’. And congratulations to Erin and Isla who both started signing ‘milk’ just in time for a certificate to be awarded on the last day of term. It’s been great to see your progress!
There were lots of first birthdays this term too. Happy birthday to Canaan and Orla (from over the Easter break), Mila and Finlay. And happy birthday to Ciara, Cameron, Abby and Erin, who will have their first birthdays during the summer break! I’ll try not to get emotional about babies growing up too fast...
Father’s Day and Upcoming Special Days
This term we held a special Father’s Day class on the Saturday before Father’s Day. It was a really good turn out and a lot of fun. For once, the menfolk outnumbered the women, and to my surprise, the dads really got into it! You fellas ought to come along more often!
The upcoming Autumn term will include a Halloween party, because nothing is cuter than babies in fancy dress, and a Christmas party. Both will be during usual class time.
Pre-booking your TinyTalk place
Term dates for Autumn are 14 (Mon) and 18 (Fri) September – 7 (Mon) and 11 (Fri) December with no classes the week of 19-23 October (School Holidays). To book ahead, you can fill out the booking form and return it either by post or on the first day back. The advantages of booking ahead include the discounted rate (£3.50 per class instead of £4 for dropping in) and no need to remember cash each week. The full session is 12 classes at £42. However, there is also the option of booking for a lesser number of classes, if you know you will likely be missing a few. You can always book for half a term or something like 10/12, if that suits you better. Life with babies is often unpredictable, so I want to be as flexible as possible, making your life a little easier.
Free Summer ‘Get-Together’
With everything being off for mums and babies during the holidays, we start going a bit stir crazy, and so do our babies! So I’m planning an informal picnic and sing-song time for Monday, the 17th August, which is right in the middle of the break. It’s free – just a chance to catch up, play outside, sing some favourite songs and brush up on our signs. It’ll be in Gourock Park (the ‘bunny park’) at 12 noon. We’ll all bring our lunches and some blankets and hopefully get some nice weather! (If it’s raining badly, we’ll cancel it, but if it’s just overcast or dreary, I’ll still be there.) I’ll send a reminder out closer to time.
Happy Summer Holidays!
Some of you have some lovely holidays planned. I hope you have a great time – I will be sitting here feeling very jealous! For the rest of us, let’s hope we have more of this glorious sunshine and less of these awful midges, so we can enjoy the rest of the summer. See you all in September. And hey, if you find yourself really bored over the break from all the baby groups, let’s organise something else!
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
End of Term
Hi everyone,
Just to remind you that next week is the last class of the Summer term. There will be cake!
The Autumn class details are as follows:
AUTUMN SESSION:
14 (Mon) and 18 (Fri) September – 7 (Mon) and 11 (Fri) December
NO CLASSES WEEK OF 19-23 OCTOBER (School Holidays)
Mondays at Wemyss Bay Community Hall
11.00am – 12.00pm
Fridays at The Guide Hut, Kilmacolm
11.00am – 12.00pm
Save the Date:
Futhermore, I’m planning an informal picnic/ get-together for Monday, the 17th August, which is right in the middle of the break. It’s free – just a chance to catch up, play outside, and maybe sing a few songs and brush up any signs you've forgotten. It’ll be in Gourock Park (the ‘bunny park’) at 12 noon. We’ll all bring our lunches and some blankets and hopefully get some nice weather! More about it closer to time, and there will be an email sent out to all on the list. (If you are not on the email list and would like to be added, email me at lorim@tinytalk.co.uk.)
Just to remind you that next week is the last class of the Summer term. There will be cake!
The Autumn class details are as follows:
14 (Mon) and 18 (Fri) September – 7 (Mon) and 11 (Fri) December
NO CLASSES WEEK OF 19-23 OCTOBER (School Holidays)
Mondays at Wemyss Bay Community Hall
11.00am – 12.00pm
Fridays at The Guide Hut, Kilmacolm
11.00am – 12.00pm
Save the Date:
Futhermore, I’m planning an informal picnic/ get-together for Monday, the 17th August, which is right in the middle of the break. It’s free – just a chance to catch up, play outside, and maybe sing a few songs and brush up any signs you've forgotten. It’ll be in Gourock Park (the ‘bunny park’) at 12 noon. We’ll all bring our lunches and some blankets and hopefully get some nice weather! More about it closer to time, and there will be an email sent out to all on the list. (If you are not on the email list and would like to be added, email me at lorim@tinytalk.co.uk.)
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