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Finding Joy in Language: A Conversation with Lora Heller of Baby Fingers
- Kathleen Marcath
- Jun 19
- 5 min read
Celebrating 25 Years of Early Language Learning Through Music and Signs!
by Kathleen Marcath
We had the joy of sitting down for a conversation with Lora Heller, where she shared how her love of music, sign language, and early childhood connection led to the creation of Baby Fingers. In her latest picture book, Adventures of Opal: The Muggy, Buggy Day, that same warmth and curiosity come through as Opal explores the world around her—asking questions, noticing nature, and celebrating the wonder of childhood.
Meet Lora Heller, the founder of Baby Fingers, a beloved program that blends American Sign Language (ASL) and music to nurture early communication, bonding, and joy in families. For over 25 years, Baby Fingers has supported parents, caregivers, and educators in introducing sign language to infants, toddlers, children and parents of any age through interactive classes, songs, and now picture books.
Lora grew up singing and always knew music would be part of her life. Her passion for sign language was sparked at summer camp, where she met a Deaf boy and observed how fingerspelling helped bridge communication. That early experience stayed with her through college and beyond—shaping her path as a music therapist, Deaf educator, and passionate advocate for accessible, inclusive language learning.
Lora continues to build connections through stories, signs, and songs—empowering children and the grown-ups who love them.
Where Music Meets Sign Language for Infants and Toddlers
While earning a degree in music therapy, Lora studied music in Deaf culture and continued developing her ASL. After working with Deaf children as a music therapist, and earning her Master’s in Deaf education, she launched Baby Fingers, now thriving for 25 years.
Her groundbreaking thesis evolved into a full curriculum used across the country in schools, homes, and libraries. Alongside her team, Lora continues to inspire families to use sign language for babies and toddlers as a natural part of early development.
Real-Life Language Modeling
From her own family’s experience, Lora emphasizes a key idea:
Lora: We don’t set out to teach our children language—we model it for them.
Signing from day one with her sons, she witnessed firsthand how early sign language helped build early comprehension, bonding, and vocabulary.
Lora: Communication became clear so early on. At just 5 months, one of my sons pushed a toy toward me after I signed ‘where-cow?’ Moments like that showed how deeply connected we were through real language.
These experiences are the heartbeat of Lora’s work. Her creative and giving nature continues to nurture families and communities as her company expands its reach across the United States, evolving and developing new programs to meet the community's needs as they arise.
A Conversation with Lora Heller on Baby Fingers and the Power of ASL for Families
Lora: Baby Fingers has expanded to include ASL and music therapy programs for all ages—babies to adults with disabilities. We serve libraries, schools, after-school programs, and families from New York to Los Angeles and beyond.
With a 13-member team of CODAs, Deaf professionals, therapists, and teaching artists, Baby Fingers is transforming communication and inclusion across the country. During the pandemic, they shifted their offerings online, dramatically expanding their reach and making sign language classes accessible nationwide.
A New Picture Book: The Muggy Buggy Day
Lora is the author of seven sign language books—and most recently, Adventures with Opal; The Muggy Buggy Day, inspired by poetic moments with her children. Lora shared her inspiration behind this new book and the sweet, adorable character, Opal.
Lora: My love of writing poetry and songs along with remembering adventures with my children inspired my first Opal book. I hope young readers take away Opal’s joy of exploration, self-confidence, and curiosity. I also hope that adults who read the book are given a glimpse into a child’s thoughts as Opal shares her questions and concerns throughout.
We’d love for you to share how your love of music and ASL weaves into the story’s rhythm and themes.
Lora: I do believe that my musicianship helped to guide the rhythm of not only the words and verses of the story, but the cadences in Opal’s adventures and the grace with which she explores. I considered how ASL would flow with the story when choosing the rhymes, even though rhyming in sign is completely different.
A special treat from Lora for you!
Music, Language, and the Joy of Signing
When asked about how music supports language development for Deaf and hearing children, Lora reflects:
Lora: Music, whether including vibrations and/or ASL, offers a sense of calm and cohesion, practice with turn-taking, opportunities to creatively express oneself, and a greater understanding of the lyrical content in songs.
Have any songs or musical moments stood out to you over the years?
Lora: SO many. One example is how my children started using new signs that were only introduced to them in songs. My older son used to sign ‘lion’ at night to request we sing to him The Lion Sleeps Tonight. His first fluent two-word (signed) phrase was ‘more-music’ at 10 months when his mobile stopped.
Looking to the Future: Baby Fingers beyond 25
Lora: We’re developing professional development workshops for schools, businesses, and families. We hope to expand our performing arts programs and continue bringing ASL and music to more people.
Opal is a series, so look for more of her stories coming soon.
What’s ahead in 2025?
Lora: We’re dreaming of revamping our YouTube channel, and I’d love to write more books! Stay tuned!
Explore ASL Picture Books + Baby Fingers
If you're beginning to learn ASL with your child or you're an educator looking for engaging resources, Baby Fingers and ASL Picture Books are here to help.
🖐️ Learn more: BabyFingers.com
📘 Find Lora’s new book, Adventures with Opal: The Muggy Buggy Day
🎶 Follow for music, signs, and early literacy tips
📩 Subscribe for updates and new book releases
Unity in Community
At ASL Picture Books, we believe in the boundless power of early language—and we’re proud to spotlight pioneers like Lora Heller, whose work uplifts families through both music and signs. Whether you're signing your first word with your child or looking to enrich your story time with rhythm and representation, Baby Fingers and ASL Picture Books share a common goal: building bridges of understanding, one sign and story at a time.
📚 Explore more at BabyFingers.com
🖐️ Discover ASL Picture Books and learn alongside your child
🎶 Sign. Sing. Connect. Let language grow together.
Keep the Journey Going
We hope you enjoyed this story and feel inspired to keep signing with the children in your life. You’re doing an amazing job opening a world of communication for them! Before you go, here are some ways to continue your ASL adventure:
Read Next: Dive into another inspiring post on our blog to keep learning and celebrating Deaf culture.
Author Visits: Book an author visit to bring the magic of ASL to your school or library and inspire your community.
Freebie: Get your free printable ASL Alphabet Chart in the ASL Starter Kit to practice with your little ones – a fun resource to hang on the fridge or classroom wall.
Join Our Community: Sign up for our newsletter to receive tips, free resources, and uplifting stories straight to your inbox.
Meet the Author: Kathleen Marcath
Kathleen Marcath is the award-winning author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me and the founder of ASL Picture Books. She’s on a mission to share the joy of bilingual (ASL and English) education, creating stories that help children and families discover the limitless potential of ASL.
Stay in Touch: Follow Kathleen on Facebook and Instagram, or visit ASLPictureBooks.com for more resources and community updates.
Bring the Joy of ASL to Your School!Want Kathleen to visit your school or library? Inspire young minds with stories, sign language, and the limitless potential of ASL! 👉 Learn more about Author Visits here. |
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