What is Makaton?
Makaton uses signs (gestures), symbols (pictures) and speech to help people communicate. It is used by children and adults who experience difficulties communicating effectively or meaningfully by speech alone.
How Makaton works
Signs are used with speech to give extra clues to your communication. Signs are always used in spoken word order; you should always talk when you sign.
What are the benefits of Makaton?
- Builds on the natural ability to gesture
- Improves attention and listening
- Pressure for speech is removed
- Language is simplified and slowed down
- Aids comprehension and helps children express themselves
- it is a visual reinforcement of speech
- A bridge to developing spoken language.
Top tips
- Remember to speak as you sign.
- Make sure you get the attention of the person you are communicating with.
- Use facial expressions to help communicate your message. For example, if you are saying and signing something is good, make sure you are smiling!
- Keep communication simple.
- Be patient and allow the Makaton user time to process the information.
- Remember to have a go and have fun!
To find out more, visit https://www.makaton.org/
For more information about Singing Hands, please visit: http://www.singinghands.co.uk or https://www.youtube.com/@SingingHandsUK