Makaton at Wild Monkeys
Here at Wild Monkeys we believe in finding new ways to support and educate your child. In 2018 we decided to start using Makaton with the children. We have done this because a little boy who started with us used signing to communicate well before he was able to talk. This really showed us the potential benefits of using Makaton in our setting.
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language program using signs and symbols to help children to communicate. It can help with communication in everyday tasks, such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends, and having fun. For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meanfully or effectively, Makaton can really help. With Makaton, children can communicate a lot sooner with signs and symbols. Many will drop the signs and symbols naturally, at their own pace, as they develop speech.
You can find out more about Makaton by visiting the official page here.
How do we use Makaton in our nursery?
At Wild Monkeys one of our staff, Rachelle, is our designated Makaton lead. You can see more about her here.
During your child's day with us, they will learn the signs at circle time and can view the signs and symbols around the nursery. They will be encouraged to use the signs in communication with adults and peers. The staff will also be signing with each other and your child. All age groups will be included in the Makaton activities.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can get involved by checking our Facebook page at the beginning of each week for the signs we are working on. They can then begin to use the signs at home to support their child's learning and encourage their child to use the signs. This will aid them in their future education as Makaton is also used in primary schools.
You can see the Stage 1 signs we will be using by clicking here.
Makaton online resources ...
Mr Tumble's 'Hello Song'
Freya with Stage 1 Makaton signs
Official Makaton YouTube channel
And here are some of our very own Makaton videos from our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WildMonkeysChildcare/videos/423279591638222/
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language program using signs and symbols to help children to communicate. It can help with communication in everyday tasks, such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends, and having fun. For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meanfully or effectively, Makaton can really help. With Makaton, children can communicate a lot sooner with signs and symbols. Many will drop the signs and symbols naturally, at their own pace, as they develop speech.
You can find out more about Makaton by visiting the official page here.
How do we use Makaton in our nursery?
At Wild Monkeys one of our staff, Rachelle, is our designated Makaton lead. You can see more about her here.
During your child's day with us, they will learn the signs at circle time and can view the signs and symbols around the nursery. They will be encouraged to use the signs in communication with adults and peers. The staff will also be signing with each other and your child. All age groups will be included in the Makaton activities.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can get involved by checking our Facebook page at the beginning of each week for the signs we are working on. They can then begin to use the signs at home to support their child's learning and encourage their child to use the signs. This will aid them in their future education as Makaton is also used in primary schools.
You can see the Stage 1 signs we will be using by clicking here.
Makaton online resources ...
Mr Tumble's 'Hello Song'
Freya with Stage 1 Makaton signs
Official Makaton YouTube channel
And here are some of our very own Makaton videos from our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WildMonkeysChildcare/videos/423279591638222/
