What is Makaton?
Makaton involves using symbols and signs as a main method of communication or as a way to support speech. Makaton is used by children and adults to support communication and learning . Other professionals and the community may also use Makaton– for example EYP’s, teachers, health professionals, friends etc. Makaton has also proven to be useful in supporting development of – understanding concepts, literacy skills, and developing English as an Additional Language. By using Makaton, children and adults are supported to enjoy learning around communication and language with the use of a fully inclusive approach. (See more at https://makaton.org/TMC/TMC/AboutMakaton.aspx)
Makaton at Largs Early Years Centre
We established Makaton at LEYC soon after we opened in March 2018, taking a whole centre approach in order to provide a platform for all children to express themselves and communicate their thoughts with others in an inclusive playroom. Makaton Monday is a program we have introduced to the setting since January 2022. The idea behind Makaton Monday is to encourage staff, families and carers to learn how to sign and build on their skills. Every Monday we will share on Seesaw and onto our playroom noticeboards the signs and symbols we will be learning that week, this can be signs for feelings, activities, family etc. Staff introduce Makaton within their keygroup time and then signs are used in daily practice. This has allowed children to become familiar with signs and communicate their needs to staff and their peers. Signs and Symbols are displayed throughout the playrooms to support Makaton development such as feelings, activities, food, golden rules etc.
SCILT Newsletter Spring 2021 – See pg 15 for our feature, regarding Makaton during lockdown.
You can check our YouTube channel to learn a range of Makaton signs and how to sign alongside stories and nursery rhymes: https://youtube.com/@largseyc5573?si=wETdCUGhRpUBUjgr
The Makaton Charity have lots of free resources you can access on their website and they upload a video each week for ‘Sign of the Week’ – https://makaton.org/TMC/Free_resources_.aspx
Feedback from families:
“T does enjoy the Makaton despite having good communication personally. I do feel this is great though as always her to learn different communication techniques so she can connect with all her peers and start understanding everyone is unique”
“My daughter loves using Makaton. She has become more aware of everyone’s needs since joining LEYC and I am delighted with the way she sees each child’s individuality, she is encouraged to be inclusive”
“I think this is really beneficial, Makaton is a fabulous life skill to have and a provides a platform to communicate with all. Therefore my child and I, as well as the rest of the family, really enjoy Makaton Monday videos and learning new signs. Being able to watch staff complete these signs give me more confidence to carry out these signs, as I find looking at a picture visual is harder to understand. The video means that we can all watch and then use these signs at home”
“It was good to be able to practice what my son was learning with him in the evening. Useful for everyone to know to help inclusiveness.”
“Just to say thank you for doing this. My family appreciates it loads. Grateful to have my son attend such a great nursery.”
Abigail
