What is Makaton?

Makaton describes itself as ‘a language program that gives everyone a helping hand to talk’ (www.makaton.org)

Communication is one of the most important life skills as so many things that we do on a day-to-day basis involve the need to communicate. Both at home and at nursery, completing simple tasks such as labelling things, asking for help and making choices, making friends, sharing thoughts and emotions and sorting out our problems, all rely on being able to communicate with each other.

Why do we use it?

At nursery, we use Makaton as part of our everyday practice with all children, using both signs and symbols to help children and adults to communicate. It supports spoken language and the signs and symbols are used along with speech.

It’s for Everyone...it’s their Right!

We recognise that it supports everyone in communicating, not only those who have delayed speech or challenges with communicating. It is also key to supporting all of our children’s communication with adults and each other, regardless of ability, language or individual need. In this way, it not only reinforces key language and concepts at every level, but also ensures that every child has a ‘voice,’ a means of communicating their needs, wants, ideas and opinions as is their right. By using Makaton as part of our daily practice, we ensure that every child’s voice is heard and valued, nurturing their independence and self-esteem and supporting them on their path of life-long learning.

To access the Makaton Website for more information, please follow the link below.