Makaton

‘Staff and pupils are learning alongside each other now: not merely amassing vocabulary lists and pairing signs with spoken words but learning how to make meaningful connections with a rich intertwining of Makaton signs gesture and speech’
Parkhouse and Smith 2019 

What is it and why do we use it?  

Makaton is a unique language programme which may be used as:  

• A systematic, multi-modal approach for the teaching of communication skills; language skills; literacy skills. 
• A source of highly functional and flexible key word signing and symbol vocabulary for a pupil with communication needs and their interactive partners to facilitate social interaction as well as to aid understanding of speech. 
•  Symbols can provide an effective tool to support emotional regulation as well as understanding the sequence of events/activities.  

Who is it for?  

Makaton is now recognised and used effectively as a communication tool for children and adults with a broad range of communication needs, such as those who have difficulties with the following: Learning difficulties, ASD, hearing loss, attention and listening, understanding speech, understanding what will happen next, developing speech, making themselves understood, telling people what they want and how they feel, their choices and preferences and learning literacy skills. It is crucial to be aware of the need to develop communicative environment as much as the pupil with communication difficulties. At Nexus, we use a Total Communication Approach and aim for everybody in the school to sign at a level to enable the pupils to communicate meaningfully and effectively as well as using symbols in visual support systems. 

 What does it look like?  

• Core Vocabulary (450 concepts) selected for their frequency of usage and functionality. Arranged in 8 Stages (and some Additional Vocabulary). There is a Sign and Symbol for each concept. 
• Resource vocabulary (11000). This provides a variety of topic vocabulary that can be used to provide personalisation for users and environments.  
• Makaton provides Key Word Signage and supports and develops speech - it does not replace speech. Adults should simplify their speech and sign key words to enable pupils to understand them as well as to provide an achievable language model. 
• Training is organised at Levels 1 (for stages 1 and 2), 2 (for stages 3.4) and 3 (for stages 5,6,7 and 8