Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Makaton with Evie and Sophie,

Here's a little insight into how and why we started using Makaton.

When Evie was born we were informed that she would have communication difficulties with her and that we would be referred to a speech and language therapist. When Evie was around 9 months old she received her first appointment and this is when our world of Makaton began, and what a joy it has been.

Start simple, a word you both use regularly, for example 'Mummy', and every time you say the word Mummy, sign it too and eventually they will pick up on the sign and start to use it in their own little way. This is when they start to understand that the word and the sign are both linked. Makaton is so important within mine and Evie's day to day lives now, although she is 4 she still struggles with words so that's why we both use Makaton, so we can understand each other.

Is Makaton the same as BSL?

No. BSL (British Sign Language) is designed for people who are profoundly deaf and use a sign for every word. Whereas Makaton is simplified for people who struggle to communicate so you only sign the most important words, for example 'Evie, are you going to listen to your teacher?', do you'd sign 'E', going, listen and teacher.

Where do I start?

The internet and Youtube is a godsend. There are charities who offer support for learning Makaton, like the Makaton charity itself. There are also a lot of people on Youtube, who like us do videos, all you need to search is 'Makaton for Teacher' and you will see a list of videos showing you the sign for teacher. And last but not least, Mr Tumble, who doesn't love Mr Tumble? He is an incredible way to help teach children Makaton, and in a fun and entertaining way too, I realise I'm still sat watching him on Youtube when the kids have been in bed an hour!

Evie has grown in confidence since we did our first video, and since going to Country Kids, the staff support Makaton in all of their nurseries.