What is Makaton?
Makaton is the sign language designed to support spoken language – signs are used with speech, in spoken word order to help children and adults to communicate. The ability to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Supporting our children to communicate helps them within their independence, learning, relationships, wants and needs and builds their self – esteem.
Using signs can help children who have no speech (either because they have communication difficulties or are very young) or whose speech is unclear. Many children’s understanding develops ahead of their speech. This can leave them feeling discouraged as they might know what they want but not be able to express it. Using signing helps empower them to express what they want to say and alleviate frustration. It has been proven that when used with speech; Makaton signing supports the development of language and communication.
Makaton is beneficial to all children as it helps the development of listening and attention, social skills, fine motor, friendships and confidence. Makaton is also very enjoyable and extremely inclusive! 
We as a nursery are supporting one another to use Makaton more frequently and be more confident with its use so that we can further support the children’s language and communication. 
If you have any thoughts, questions or ideas that you would like to tell us about or ask for some more information about Makaton please speak to Vicki or Lisa.