Learning Makaton

In this section, you can find top tips on how to begin learning and using Makaton easily within the home or a setting. How to prioritise signs and symbols to suit the individual you are supporting. Suggestions on the first 20 signs you could implement to get started on your Makaton journey.

A group of Makaton training attendees standing around a table in a training room, exploring Makaton resources

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Returning to Freeways & personal reflection

This week in my Diary of a Makaton Tutor, I returned to Freeways in Bristol to deliver Level 1 Makaton training. It was my fourth visit to this fantastic organisation, having previously delivered a Makaton wellbeing workshop, a taster session and my very first Level 1 course there eight years ago. Discover how Freeways continues to champion effective communication and the importance of embedding Makaton to support the people they work with.

Ali Pennington

Aug 234 min read

Two attendees sit next to each other in a meeting room, they are signing the Makaton sign for biscuit whilst practising their new skills

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: New Connections, Shared Learning and Growing Confidence

This week in my Diary of a Makaton Tutor, I delivered Level 1 training at SWALLOW, facilitated two online sessions for supported living teams, and hosted a rare public Level 1 course in Weston-super-Mare. From building confidence in inclusive communication to watching strangers become friends through shared learning, it was a wonderful reminder of the power of Makaton to connect people and create more accessible communities.

Ali Pennington

Jul 124 min read

A group of support workers from Enable and Support, Yeovil, in a meeting room, practising their Makaton signing in small groups

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Supporting Inclusive Communication Across Health and Social Care in Yeovil and Clevedon

Discover how Level 1 Makaton training delivered in Yeovil and Clevedon is helping health and social care professionals create more inclusive communication environments. Learn how Makaton signs, symbols, and visual communication strategies can support individuals with speech, language, and communication needs in everyday practice.

Ali Pennington

Jun 73 min read

A group of staff at a primary school standing round a table display exploring all of the visual communication resources on the table

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Embedding Makaton in Schools and Beyond: Level 1 Training, Practical Strategies, and Online Learning

Discover how primary school staff completed Level 1 Makaton training, explored practical games and activities, and learned what embedding Makaton looks like in everyday practice. This blog also shares insights from delivering online Makaton training for Achieve Together and the importance of creating inclusive communication environments across schools and care settings.

Ali Pennington

May 173 min read

An image of the front entrance at University Centre Weston, the image includes 3 pop-up information banners

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: A Warm Welcome and Looking Ahead to a Busy Week

I truly love my job. Supporting others to build confidence in communication, creating more inclusive environments, and seeing the impact of Makaton in action—it’s what makes every busy week worthwhile.

Ali Pennington

May 32 min read

A photo of individuals attending an online workshop for a supported living provider they are smiling at the camera and signing their favourite Makaton sign

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Slowing Down and Strengthening Communication

This family are at the beginning of a new journey. Previously, their family member had been able to verbalise their wants and needs, but due to a significant life change, their communication has shifted. As a result, the family are now exploring new and unfamiliar ways to support understanding and expression.

Ali Pennington

Apr 273 min read

The team from Jessie May Trust sharing their favourite signs from training

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: Supporting Families and Advancing Skills Through Makaton

This week, I had the privilege of delivering in-person Makaton training to the team at the Jessie May Trust. They provide incredible support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, and it was an honour to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate group of professionals.

Ali Pennington

Apr 184 min read

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: Makaton in Education, Wellbeing and Community Settings

What stood out most this week was the variety of settings where Makaton made an impact. From lecture rooms to nature walks and community spaces, the common thread was connection. Makaton created opportunities for people to engage, communicate, and feel included—regardless of their background or experience. Working with such a wide range of groups reminded me that Makaton is truly for everyone.

Ali Pennington

Apr 113 min read

Public Makaton Level 1 attendees exploring visual tools and communication support resources

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: A Week of Online Training and a Rare Public Workshop

One of the highlights of my week was delivering a public Level 1 Makaton workshop. These are actually quite rare for me, as most of my work is with private clients and organisations. However, I always really enjoy delivering public training sessions. There’s something unique about having such a mix of people in one space, parents, professionals, carers, and individuals all bringing different levels of experience and knowledge.

Ali Pennington

Apr 43 min read

A mother holds her baby, gently supporting the babies head and smiling

The Benefits of Using Makaton with Babies: A Complete Guide for Parents

Using Makaton with babies supports early communication by allowing them to express needs through simple signs before speech develops. This reduces frustration, strengthens bonding, and can even boost language development, making it a powerful tool for parents looking to enhance their child’s early learning journey.

Ali Pennington

Apr 43 min read

The team from Herons Moor Academy standing in a group, smiling at the camera and holding their Makaton certificates after completing training.

Welcome to My Diary of a Makaton Tutor

Discover how Makaton training supports communication across healthcare, supported living, and early years settings. In this Makaton tutor diary, I share real-life experiences delivering a hospital-based Makaton workshop for nursing staff, online training sessions, and practical insights to help beginners learn Makaton and use it confidently in everyday situations.

Ali Pennington

Mar 273 min read

A young child sits on the floor looking at their mother who is using the Makaton sign for 'to wait'

"Makaton - One family, an ongoing journey"

"My wonderful daughter is autistic and non verbal, communication was difficult in her early years. I saw all of the amazing work Ali has done within the community, schools, care providers and businesses etc for providing Makaton training. I attended a Makaton training event provided by Ali and within minutes, I learned so much. I was worried at first that it would be really difficult to learn but Ali made me feel at ease...

Ali Pennington

Feb 282 min read

A teacher and a small group of children completing an activity sitting around a table in a classroom.

Creating a Makaton-Friendly Learning Environment

Creating a Makaton-friendly environment is about more than signs — it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and inclusion. Every small step, from visual supports to consistent staff use, builds a space where everyone can be understood.

Ali Pennington

Feb 42 min read

Two women sitting in front of a large window, facing each other and signing.

Myths and Facts About Makaton: Separating Truth from Misunderstanding

Makaton is a unique and widely‑used communication programme, but it’s often misunderstood. Let’s clear up some common Makaton myths and share the facts backed by trusted sources.

Ali Pennington

Feb 42 min read

A group of medical staff practising Makaton signs during training, they are wearing various hospital uniforms depending on their role.

Makaton for Emotional Support: Supporting Anxiety in Children and Adults

Anxiety affects people of all ages. For both children and adults, communicating worries, fears, or overwhelming feelings can be challenging — especially for those with speech, language, or communication needs (SLCN).

Ali Pennington

Jan 193 min read

A small group of people sitting in a classroom, working in pairs sitting opposite each other, practising Makaton signs they are learning in training

Using Makaton in School

As a professional working in schools for many years, I completely understand the lack of time (and funding) for training and for making and creating resources, so I've shared some ideas below so that introducing Makaton doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Schools can start small:

Ali Pennington

Jan 193 min read

A young child in a blue shirt sits on the floor looking at a parent using signs

Making Family Life More Inclusive with Simple Signs in Makaton

Using simple signs like Makaton is about more than communication — it’s about inclusion, respect, and connection. Small changes in how families communicate can have a big impact on confidence, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. By making communication accessible at home, you help create a family environment where everyone has a voice.

Ali Pennington

Jan 194 min read

Ten Easy To Use Makaton Signs – and Using Them Every Day

Makaton is a simple and powerful way to support communication, especially for children and adults who may find spoken language challenging. Learning just a few key signs can make daily interactions more inclusive, reduce frustration, and build confidence. Below are ten commonly used Makaton signs and easy ways to incorporate them into everyday life.

Ali Pennington

Jan 122 min read

A collection of nursery rhyme props for using at a local free signed story event, it includes the book 'cows in the kitchen' a selection of soft toy hand puppets, a symbolled now, next, then board and 3 little speckled frogs on a soft toy log.

“Makaton Fun: Games and Songs That Boost Learning” Creative play ideas for toddlers and children.

Makaton fun - I supported my own daughter using Makaton when she was young, I often used songs, rhymes and stories. One of her very first signs was 'cheese' it was something that really motivated her, a bit like her mum! But in all seriousness...

Ali Pennington

Nov 1, 20254 min read

A group of attendees from Makaton Level 2 training standing in a group holding their certificates to the camera and smiling

Unlocking Communication: The Benefits of Attending Makaton Level 2 Training

Strengthen and Expand Your Communication Skills. Makaton Level 2 builds on the foundation of Level 1, giving you the opportunity to learn additional signs and symbols from the Core Vocabulary (Stages 3 and 4, and some of the Additional stage). You’ll also gain more confidence in using Makaton naturally and fluently in everyday communication.

Ali Pennington

Oct 29, 20254 min read

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and...

**Disclaimer.** The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com