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Ten easy-to-learn Makaton signs

Blog
Makaton
21 Jun 2024

As seen in Little Learners

What is Makaton and how is it used?

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school or at nursery, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot or prefer not to sign.

For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meaningfully or effectively, Makaton can really help. Makaton takes away that frustration and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This opens up all kinds of possibilities.

Take a look at these ten easy-to-learn signs that can be used as a great introduction to Makaton for your little learners.

1. Makaton for Hello

Undoubtedly, 'Hello' is the most commonly used phrase for people to use in all kinds of situations. To say this in Makaton, hold your right hand at shoulder height and move from centre chest to right.

2. Makaton for Good morning

'Good morning' is always a useful sign to know, as it shows that you are being welcoming and polite. To say this, sign 'good' first which is to form your right hand with a 'thumbs-up' and then touch chest with fingertips on left side and move to right side.

3. Makaton for Food

Food and eating is a vital human necessity that everyone should be able to express to others. To say this, place your right hand fingertips onto ball of right thumb and tap once.

4. Makaton for Toilet

This is another useful sign to know if you need a bathroom break. To say this, touch your shoulder with the tip of middle finger and make small movements.

5. Makaton for a drink

You can use this sign if you would like to drink something. To say this, Form your right hand into a 'C' shape and tilt up and forward as if drinking.

6. Makatan for More

This sign can be used to mean a range of phrases, such as, "I want more" or "Want some more?". To say this, place one hand on top of the closed fist to cover it.

7. Makaton for Please

This is another beneficial sign that you can learn to use in your daily interactions with other people. To say this, move your right hand fingertips forward from chin. Use both hands for stress.

8. Makaton for Thank you

This is similar to the sign for 'please' and can be used to express gratitude and politeness towards others. To say this, move your right hand fingertips forward from chin and point forward or toward person concerned.

9. Makaton for Sleep

This sign can easily let people around you know that you intend to go to sleep. To say this, place open your right hand on one side of your head and close eyes. Then, tilt head slightly.

10. Makaton for Goodbye

This sign is for humans to say goodbye after they leave someone that they know. To say this, you can use the natural gesture of simply waving your hand.

For more information about Makaton and to learn more signs, please visit makaton.org

Enjoyed reading this blog? We've got loads more ideas and inspiration for early years teachers in our Little Learners magazine. This article has been taken from one of our past editions which you can find here.

Did you know you can also subscribe to receive all future issues of Little Learners for FREE? Click here to subscribe.

Makaton® symbols and line drawings of signs are © copyright by and reproduced with kind permission of The Makaton Charity 2023 (makaton.org).

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Makaton