What is Makaton? 

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses symbols (pictures), signs (gestures) and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

How Makaton works

Talking does not just involve speaking. Watch someone talking, they will not just be saying words but they will also be using hand movements or gestures, facial expression, eye contact and body language (posture and movement). All this is communication.

With Makaton, signs are used with speech in spoken word order. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Research has shown that signs and gestures are easier to learn than spoken words.  

Symbols can be used to support communication in many different ways. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot or prefer not to sign.

If a child has to rely on speech development alone, these vital skills may not develop properly: eye contact, turn taking, making choices, understanding, and sharing information.

Children and adults who have difficulty understanding and speaking often become frustrated or withdrawn.

By using Makaton, we are helping them to communicate in a more acceptable way.

How to start using Makaton

Here are our six top tips for using Makaton:

1. Using Makaton is fun!
2. Use signs and symbols as much and as often as you can.
3. Always speak as you sign or use symbols.
4. Offer lots of encouragement.
5. Don't give up!  It may take a while but it is worth it in the end.
6. It is important that only a few signs and symbols are used at the beginning. 

So why not watch Miss Hussain's Makaton videos and lets all join in. Miss Hussain would really like for you to all have a go and she will be uploading new signs every so often.