Toddlers can learn simple sign language while singing and having fun at a community cafe this summer.

Charlotte Millar, 22, from Native Tongue in Epsom, said she came up with the idea of teaching Makaton and singing nursery rhymes to babies and toddlers on Fridays.

Ms Millar said the free fun sessions were aimed at parents looking for something to do with little ones and people who want their young children to learn Makaton.

Your Local Guardian:

She said: "It’s for everyone of any ability. Babies can actually start signing before they speak."

Ms Millar said her brother picked up simple signs such as milk, mummy, daddy and nappies at the age of just 11 months. She said: "He was doing that before he started talking."

Native Tongue is also offering free Crafty Kids summer holiday workshops with everything from drama and singing to arts and crafts and guitar lessons.

The one-hour workshops are aimed at children aged four to 11 years old.

Your Local Guardian:

Jessica Djali-Greenway, who is leading the arts and crafts, said: 'Out walking one day I had the idea to create a space where children could learn through the medium of artistic expression, not by rote or lecture but gently, through doing."

This year Native Tongue reopened as a play cafe during the day with music and comedy at night at a new location in the Derby Square, underneath Epsom Library.

It was formed in 1999 as a collective of artists, musicians and street performers.

Native Tongue

The Derby Square, Epsom

Sing and Sign

Fridays at 9.45am (babies aged six to 12 months) and 12.30pm (toddlers aged one to two years old)

Crafty Kids

Monday to Friday at 10.45am and 1.45pm

Until August 30

Call 020 7726 6210

Email info@nativetongue.co.uk

Check out the schedule here 


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