Chitter Chatty Speech Therapy Presents
HAPPY TALK SONG & SIGN CLASSES!
Come sing, sign, and play with your little one!
Join us for in-person classes in Southeast Arkansas!
Classes available in Monticello, Crossett,
Mc Gehee, and White Hall
Happy TalkTinies
Designed for babies 6-24 months.
A joyful class to learn songs, sign language & sensory play for your daily routines.
Happy Talk
Tots
Designed for little ones 1-3 years.
Fun musical adventures through early learning topics with support for language development.
Happy Talk POP-IN
POP-IN
If you are unable to commit to an 8 week session, you can join a class by “popping in”. There are ONLY 2 SPOTS available each week, so don’t delay! You also must purchase the class at least one day prior to class date.
Current Class Schedule
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Monticello Tinies 8 Week Session
9:00 am. Saturday April 4-May 23
Location: Elite Stars Academy of the Arts Dance Studio (Next to Town & Country Florist)
ONLY 6 SPOTS per 8 WEEK SESSION
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Monticello Tots 8 Week Session
10:15 am | Saturday April 4-May 23
Location: Elite Stars Academy of the Arts Dance Studio (Next to Town & Country Florist)
ONLY 6 SPOTS PER 8 WEEK SESSION
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Mc Gehee Tinies
To Be Announced
Location: Candyland Dance Studio
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Mc Gehee Tots
To Be Announced
Location: Candyland Dance Studio
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Monticello Pop-In One Time Session. TOTS
10:15 am Saturday April 4
Location: Elite Stars Academy of the Arts Dance Studio (Next to Town & Country)
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Monticello Pop-In One Time Session. TINIES
9:00 am. Saturday April 4
Location: Elite Stars Academy of the Arts Dance Studio (Next to Town & Country)
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Seasonal Pop Up Session TBA
Seasonal Pop Up Classes: Valentines Day, Easter, Summer Fun, Halloween, Christmas
Meet your instructor!
Hey there!
My name is Andrea Shrum, M.A., CCC-SLP, and I’m a pediatric speech-language pathologist with 26 years of experience supporting children and families. I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Texas Woman’s University and my Master of Arts from Kent State University.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m a proud member of CoBalt (Community-Based Autism Liaison Treatment Project) alongside Dr. Atkins and SEARK Children’s Clinic. CoBalt has been an invaluable resource in our community, supporting the early identification and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in young children.
I’m the owner of Chitter Chatty Speech Therapy, LLC and Happy Talk SEARK. I currently provide speech therapy services at Meaningful Movement—a wonderful pediatric clinic offering both speech and occupational therapy for children from birth through 18 years.
Beyond my professional role, I’m a grateful mom of four incredible children, now thriving as successful adults. They have inspired me every step of the way to be the best mom—and speech therapist—I can be.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the most meaningful learning happens through child-led play, when children are fully engaged and motivated within their own play routines. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they can express their wants, needs, and ideas during play.
That’s exactly what I love about Happy Talk! It’s a joyful, engaging program that blends hands-on play, sensory exploration, music, and sign language into a fun and nurturing experience for your little one. Together, we’ll enjoy music, sensory play, and sign language in a supportive environment designed to enrich your child’s early communication and development.
I can’t wait to see you in class!
Kind words
Have questions?
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Absolutely not! In fact, these classes are designed for ALL children regardless of developmental level. The goal of these classes is to support children in their learning of communication and play skills as well as relationships with caregivers and peers.
Keep in mind, these classes are not a substitute for speech therapy services. If you feel your child needs private therapy, we can help lead you to the correct resources.
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No worries! All children require different needs. If your child is a “mover”, there is no expectation for them to sit still through all activities. All communication styles and energy levels are totally acceptable. If your child is shy, this is the absolute perfect opportunity for them to socially interact with peers their age…. and even make lifelong friendships!
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Because this combination is so powerful!
Music builds the brain
Music naturally supports language development. Rhythm and melody help children learn patterns, improve memory, and tune into speech sounds. Songs slow language down, repeat key words, and make learning joyful—helping babies and toddlers understand and use language earlier.Sensory play supports development
Sensory experiences help children make sense of their world. Touching, moving, hearing, and exploring strengthen brain connections, support attention and regulation, and build foundational skills for learning. Sensory play also helps children stay engaged and calm, creating the best state for communication to happen.Sign language gives children a voice
Before children can talk, they can communicate through signs. Using simple signs reduces frustration, supports expressive language, and often accelerates spoken language development. It also strengthens understanding, joint attention, and confidence.Together, they create meaningful learning
When music, sensory play, and sign language are combined, children are learning with their whole bodies—not just their ears. This multi-sensory approach strengthens neural connections, supports social interaction, and builds a strong foundation for communication, emotional regulation, and early learning.Most importantly—learning feels fun and safe
Children learn best when they feel connected, engaged, and joyful. These experiences create positive early learning memories while strengthening the parent-child bond.In short:
✨ Music captures attention
✨ Sensory play anchors learning
✨ Sign language empowers communicationTogether, they give babies and toddlers the tools they need to connect, communicate, and thrive.
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Caregivers are required to stay. Caregiver involvement is essential in music, sensory, and sign language classes because you are your child’s most important teacher—and the one they learn from the most.
Here’s why your presence truly matters:
Children learn through connection
Babies and toddlers learn best from the people they are most attached to. When you sing, sign, and play alongside your child, you create meaningful interactions that strengthen communication, trust, and emotional security.Skills transfer to everyday life
When caregivers are actively involved, the songs, signs, and strategies don’t stay in the class—they carry over into meals, bath time, playtime, and bedtime. This repetition in real-life moments is what helps skills truly stick.Modeling accelerates learning
Young children learn by watching and imitating. Seeing you use signs, respond to sounds, and engage in play shows them how communication works and encourages them to try it themselves.Supports regulation and confidence
Your presence helps your child feel safe and regulated, especially in new or stimulating environments. A calm, familiar adult allows children to explore, participate, and learn more confidently.Strengthens the parent/caregiver-child bond
These shared experiences build joyful routines and positive memories, reinforcing your relationship while supporting your child’s development.Empowers parents with tools
Caregiver involvement gives you practical strategies—songs, signs, and play ideas—that you can confidently use at home to support language and development every day.In short, these classes aren’t just for children—they’re for families. When parents and families are involved, learning becomes deeper, more meaningful, and far more effective.
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YES! Our class age ranges are a basic guideline based on the types of activities presented in the class. Feel free to choose the Tinies or Tots class based on what you feel is best for your child. After all, you know your child best! If you are unsure, please reach out to me via direct message on Instagram or email! I am more than happy to help you decide which class is best for your little one.
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A Pop-In class is where you and your child will sign up to attend one class during the 8 week regular session. You will attend the one class listed in the description you purchase. There will be 2 slots for those that need to pop-in for each week of the 8 week session. You could pop-in as many weeks as you want, however, there are only 2 spots available each week.
A Pop-Up class is a seasonal, one time class that focuses on seasonal songs and themes. These will be announced on the website, on instagram, and via email if you are on our email list.
Sign up for your Happy Talk Class
Join us for 8-weeks of learning for your little one!