What is Makaton?
Makaton uses signs and symbols to help people communicate and is a language programme. It is designed to support the development of spoken language.
Makaton signs are based on the gestures used in BSL (British Sign Language, the language of the Deaf community).
However, unlike BSL, Makaton signs are used in conjunction with speech at ALL times and in English grammatical word order.
With Makaton, children and adults can communicate using signs and symbols. Many people then drop the signs or symbols naturally at their own pace, as they develop speech.
Makaton is extremely flexible as it can be personalised to the individual’s needs and used at a level that is suitable for them.
Makaton Signing for Babies?
Makaton Signing for Babies training is a series of sessions designed to encourage the development of communication and language skills in babies and toddlers. All the sessions are fun and interactive for you and your child. You will learn approximately 100 signs and symbols using songs, games and activities.
Signing for Babies is a form of pre-verbal communication and helps build upon the natural use of gesture and other nonverbal signals by preverbal infants, which enhances their communication skills.
Signing for Babies is a fantastic way to aid and build communication, giving children a means to begin to understand everything. Early language development and understanding also encourages early speech as the signs are always said at the same time.
Signing for Babies has many advantages, including reducing frustration, boosting self-esteem and self-confidence.
In-addition it also strengthens the child-parent understanding and bond.
Makaton Signing for Babies is for parents, family members or carers who would like to sign with babies and children in their care and have no previous experience of Makaton.
These sessions are designed for you and your child to have fun and learn together in an interactive and engaging way. All classes endeavour to cater to children’s different learning styles so that everyone in the class is able to learn in their own unique way.
Duration: 6 sessions
Entry criteria: No previous experience of Makaton is necessary.
Study materials: You will receive a Makaton Signing for Babies Pocket Book which has the signs and symbols you have learned during the sessions. You will also be given a certificate of attendance.
Course locations: