Tara Kendrick - North Austin, Texas
Tara is originally from Tampa, Florida, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of South Florida. After relocating to Austin, Texas, she has worked in the fields of communications and sales for eight years before becoming an instructor for My Smart Hands.
Tara's passion for ASL was sparked during her early studies of the blind and deaf. This focus would be re-ignited later when she became a mother. Through Tara's education and life experiences, she understands the benefits of sign language for children.
Tara began teaching her first born, Jackson, ASL when he was two months old. When Jackson began signing back, Tara was inspired by the meaningfulness of sign language as a communications tool with her son. Sign language gave Jackson the ability to communicate his wants and needs as a nonverbal baby. Tara was
able to understand the world through Jackson's eyes as he signed the things he saw and heard throughout the day. Going for walks around the neighborhood became an adventure of teaching and learning opportunities. Jackson signed "dog" when he heard a dog barking even though the dog wasn't in sight. When he saw a bird or airplane, he let Tara know by making the appropriate signs.
Sign language also enriched their everyday routines. At the dinner table Jackson was able to let his parents know when he wanted "more," when he'd had "enough," or when he wanted milk rather than water. ASL has become an invaluable communication tool between parents and child. By allowing Jackson to communicate with his parents at such a young age, their family unit has grown stronger and Jackson's development has flourished. By the time Jackson was 18 months, he knew more than 60 signs and his verbal
vocabulary was significantly ahead of his peers. Now at nearly three years old, he continues to increase his communication skills. Not only does he use ASL with his mom and dad but, by example, he is teaching his baby brother to sign. What a wonderful experience this has been for their family! Tara looks forward to sharing her knowledge of ASL and life experiences with other parents.
Visit Tara’s My Smart Hands Austin website at www.mysmarthands-austin.com for more info and class schedule.
For more info e-mail Tara at: tara@mysmarthands-austin.com or download our class baby sign class inquiry form to be placed on a mailing list for upcoming classes. Remember to email the form back to Tara once completed.
