Makaton In Action

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs 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.

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign.

For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meaningfully or effectively, Makaton really can help. Makaton takes away that frustration and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This opens up all kinds of possibilities.

The following link is taken from the Cbeebies website and helps to explain how Makaton can be used to enhance the curriculum for all our children. 

Cbeebies for Grownups

At Hereward, we want to ensure that the needs of all our children met and that they feel confident in communicating throughout the day. With this in mind, we will be introducing the whole school to a new Makaton sign each week. This will be reinforced throughout the week by all members of staff around the school. Please look carefully within these pages to see modelled examples of the signs that are being intoruduced. These videos will also be uploaded to ClassDojo.