Makaton facts for kids

Makaton is a special way to communicate using simple sign language and black-and-white pictures called symbols. You use these signs and symbols while you are talking. It was created by a business that teaches, supports, and checks how it's used. Makaton first used simple English and British Sign Language hand-signs, and the pictures were added later.

This communication system is now used all over the world. It changes to fit the country where it is used. For example, in Britain, Makaton hand-signing mostly uses signs from BSL (British Sign Language). However, the signs are used in a different order, along with simple spoken words.

Who Uses Makaton?

Makaton is mainly taught to children and adults who have special needs with speech and language. This includes people who may or may not have hearing problems.

Many different people teach Makaton. These include teachers, teaching assistants, and childcare practitioners. Carers like parents, grandparents, foster carers, and other family members also learn it. Plus, specialist clinicians such as speech and language therapists use it. Makaton is also popular for talking with babies, which is often called "baby signing."

Makaton on Television

Makaton signs have been shown on British television. Justin Fletcher uses Makaton signing in Something Special. This TV show is for children with special needs and is shown on CBeebies. Years before this, Dave Benson Phillips also used Makaton while telling nursery rhymes on BBC children's television.

How Makaton Helps Communication

In schools, nurseries, childcare, and at home, Makaton signs and symbols are often used with other ways of talking. These can include photographs and "PECS." PECS are drawn color pictures that show parts of a routine. For example, they might show washing hands, eating a snack, or using the toilet.

Using different ways to show routines and make requests is called "total communication." This method helps people who have communication problems to express themselves better.