You and your baby can learn to speak with your hands at the Maine Discovery Museum beginning March 21, said Jennifer Chiarell, marketing director. The museum will hold its first session of baby signing classes with Deaf, American Sign Language educator Carrie Pierce.

Classes will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The cost is $6 a class for baby and parents together, recommended for “sitting up” babies to 18 months. Museum admission is not included, but infants 12 months and younger are admitted to the museum free.

Babies always have tried to communicate with their parents before being able to speak, and since babies are physically capable of communicating with their hands months before they’re able to coordinate all of their speaking muscles, learning basic signs together to assist with this communication has been gaining popularity with young families across the country.

Difficulty communicating, not knowing if the crying means the baby wants a snack or a snuggle, causes a great deal of frustration between parents and their children. How often have you heard yourself say, “I can’t wait until she or he can talk?” Pierce will show you how to practice your signs so that eventually your baby will be able to tell you what she or he needs or wants without saying a word, officials said.

The museum is pleased to bring families this opportunity, and it falls right into the grand plan of opening up a whole world of discovery for youngsters, Chiarell said.

“The earlier we can start, the better. Before you know it, your child will be able to tell you they’d like to go to Peru or Australia, explore the giant head or pedal the heart, and you’ll know just the place, the Maine Discovery Museum,” she said.

To receive e-mail updates on museum programs and current events, visit the Web site at www.mainediscoverymuseum.org and join the E-Club. For information, call 262-7200.