Every Thursday morning for the last two years Jessika Murphy, instructor for “Sing, Sign, & Play,” has shown up at our Phoenix location with a huge smile on her face! She always takes a moment to say hello to everyone and smile at those who walk past. Upon meeting Jessika, I instantly knew she was a perfect fit for our Bookmans family! She has an incredible energy and motivation that you can feel upon shaking her hand.

Sing, Sign, & Play started out as a Baby Sign Language class in Bookmans Phoenix. Jessika first learned Sign Language as a young child where it blossomed into a passion for communication with people of all ages.. As an adult she has spent her time on spreading the word about the effectiveness of sign language for babies and anyone else who is unable to verbally communicate. Jessica’s company, The Sign Language Academy specializes in teaching sign language to babies, toddlers, children, adults, differently-abled individuals and the elderly.

From The Sign Language Academy website: “Research shows that infants are capable of communicating through sign before they are able to speak words. By introducing a preverbal child to sign language, parents are empowering the child with early communication skills, thereby reducing frustration for both parent and child. Additionally, research shows that hearing children who learn sign language have increased vocabularies, improved spelling proficiencies and reading abilities, increased self-esteem and higher IQ Scores.”

After two years of amazing work we are sad to announce that Jessika will no longer be hosting classes at our Phoenix location. However, they are going strong every Wednesday morning at 10am in Bookmans Mesa! Thank you Jessika for sharing your spirit with us!