Sign language classes for kids now available at Monroe Free Library

MONROE — My Grown-Up & Me Sign Language, a sign language class for babies, toddlers and their parents, always begins with a “Hello” song.
Dorey Houle, former sign language professor at CUNY Staten Island and current Monroe Village Trustee, leads the class.
Houle demonstrates the signs needed for the song including “Hello,” “How Are You?” “I’m fine,” and “I’m wonderful,” and the children and their parents sign and sing along.
As Houle reads aloud and signs along with a picture book, the babies are free to crawl about on the story time mat, corralled by a ring of watchful parents and guardians. The adults in the room sign along with the story as well, having learned the necessary signs over the past few weeks.
The sign language program at MFL began when Houle approached library staff and offered her expertise to create the new program.
“Providing babies with any type of language stimulates brain development,” Houle said, “and sign language can be a great way to relieve some of the frustration that occurs when children are still nonverbal communicators.”
My Grown Up & Me Sign Language is one of three sign language sequences offered by the Monroe Free Library and taught by Houle.
Schedule• My Grown Up & Me Sign Language meets on Monday mornings;
• Preschool Sign Language, aimed at children aged 3 – 5, meets on Thursday mornings; and
• Grade School Sign Language, for children in Grades K–5, meets on Thursday evenings.
Library members can register for these classes online at www.monroefreelibrary.org.