Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction. It’s how we express our needs, thoughts, and feelings, fostering connections and understanding. But what if your child struggles to communicate verbally? How can you bridge that gap and ensure they feel heard and understood?
Enter Makaton – a powerful tool that can transform the way children communicate. Today, we want to shed light on why Makaton might be essential for your child and the benefits it can bring. Plus, if you want to learn even more then scroll to the end for details of our latest Makaton workshop where you can learn from a Makaton expert in person here at the Sunshine Hub in Derby on Friday 14 March 2025.
Why learn Makaton?
- Universal Communication: Makaton is a unique language programme that combines speech, signs, and symbols. It offers a multi-modal approach to communication, making it accessible to children with various communication needs, including those with speech delays, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and other developmental disorders.
- Reducing Frustration: Imagine not being able to express yourself or understand others’ needs and desires. For many children who struggle with verbal communication, this frustration is a daily reality. Makaton provides a way for them to express themselves effectively, reducing frustration and promoting emotional well-being.
- Enhancing Social Interactions: Communication is not just about conveying information; it’s also about building relationships. Makaton facilitates social interactions by enabling children to initiate conversations, participate in group activities, and develop friendships. It fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion within peer groups.
- Supporting Language Development: Makaton is not a replacement for speech but a complementary tool that supports language development. By incorporating signs and symbols alongside spoken words, Makaton reinforces vocabulary acquisition and comprehension skills. It acts as a bridge to help children transition from non-verbal to verbal communication.
What are the Benefits of Makaton?
- Improved Understanding: Makaton enhances comprehension by providing visual cues alongside spoken language. This visual support helps children grasp concepts more effectively and reinforces communication.
- Empowering Independence: When children can express their needs and desires independently, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Makaton empowers children to advocate for themselves, make choices, and engage with the world around them autonomously.
- Enhanced Learning: In educational settings, Makaton can facilitate learning by making instructions and concepts more accessible. It supports literacy development, aids in memory retention, and promotes active participation in classroom activities.
- Family and Community Involvement: Makaton is not limited to the classroom; it extends to home and community settings. By learning Makaton alongside your child, families can strengthen bonds and create a supportive communication environment. Additionally, nursery professionals trained in Makaton can collaborate with families to ensure consistency and continuity of communication strategies.
Join us for our Introduction to Makaton Workshop
Are you an early years professional or parent wanting to learn more about Makaton in a quick and accessible face to face environment with a trained professional? Then, join us at our workshop in Derby on 14 March 2025.
Hosted at the Sunshine Support Hub, we will be joined by certified Makaton trainer Ali Pennington. Over the course of a couple of hours, she’ll teach you over 40 signs and symbols including 12 specific for early years children.
This is a great opportunity to learn Makaton in person, getting advice and information to make sure you leave using the signs and symbols correctly.
Ali will also be covering:
- What is Makaton
- Signs and symbols
- Keyword levels
- Sentence and phrase building
- Resource ideas and symbol use
There will also be time for questions throughout the workshop.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn first-hand from a Makaton expert and then use those skills to make a real difference with children who find verbal communication a challenge.
