My Journey
Growing up I was fortunate enough to learn several languages. When my children were born I wanted them to be multilingual. I understood the value of the gift of multilingualism. Thus began my journey of how to raise multilingual kids. I now have 20+ years experience of language learning, tutoring and helping others raise multilingual kids.
I discovered Baby Sign Language (BSL) as a method to enhance language and communication skills with hearing children before they are able to speak. Studies have shown that BSL has many language and cognitive benefits. However, BSL tends to be abandoned by many parents and educators once the child becomes verbal.
I had the epiphany that BSL can be used as a bridge to other languages - based on Dr. Stephen Krashen's, a world renowned linguist, idea of acquiring languages by Comprehensible Input. BSL can be used as a tool for Comprehensible Input and thereby becoming a bridge to other languages.
A Language Rich environment gives a strong foundation in language skills and is associated with positive, long-term academic and social outcomes. A Language Rich approach is the foundation of many early childhood education pedagogy.
I have created a unique method, Pancha Method, that combines a Language Rich approach, with Baby Sign Language and Bilingualism all together. The first 3 years of a child's life is the most crucial years of brain development. These three language methods combined will supercharge the child's brain during this Golden Window of language learning.
Want to incorporate more BSL and a second language in your home or ECE Center? Check out our App.