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

A week of connection through learning, nature, and inclusive communication

This week has been a brilliant reminder of how Makaton can bring people together across education, wellbeing and community settings. From university students to community groups, each session highlighted the importance of accessible communication and shared understanding.

📝 This Week in My Diary

This week began at Bath Spa University, where I delivered Makaton training to Early Childhood Studies and Primary Education students. It’s always inspiring to work with future educators who are so open to learning new ways to support communication in their classrooms. We explored how Makaton can be embedded into everyday teaching, helping children feel included, understood, and confident to express themselves.

I then had the opportunity to deliver a Makaton-supported session as part of a wellbeing day at Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm. This was such a unique and calming experience—combining communication with time outdoors. We used Makaton naturally throughout the session and then went on a peaceful nature walk, reinforcing signs and symbols in a relaxed and meaningful way. It was a great reminder that Makaton doesn’t have to be confined to structured environments—it can be part of everyday experiences.

Later in the week, I delivered an over 50s relaxed Makaton session at the Independent Living Centre run by North Somerset Council. This was a lovely session focused on gentle learning, building confidence, and creating a supportive space where everyone could learn at their own pace. It’s always rewarding to see how Makaton can be embraced at any stage of life.

To finish the week, I returned to Bath Spa University to deliver a Makaton Level 1 workshop to another group of students. Each group brings a different dynamic, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and willingness to learn practical skills they can take straight into their future roles.

✋ Signs of the Week

Here are three meaningful Makaton signs that linked across this week’s sessions:

1. Friend

A powerful sign that promotes connection and inclusion, especially in education and community settings.

2. Walk

Perfect for outdoor learning and activities, helping to link communication with movement and experience.

3. Happy

A great emotional literacy sign, supporting individuals to express how they feel.

These signs are simple but impactful, and can be used in a wide range of everyday situations. You can find video demonstrations of these signs on my youtube channel.

💡 Tips for Using Makaton in Different Environments

This week showed how flexible Makaton can be. Here are some practical tips:

• Embed it into daily routines – whether in classrooms, community sessions, or outdoor activities

• Keep it natural – use signs as part of conversation, not just as a teaching tool

• Adapt to your audience – go at the pace that suits the group

• Use real-life contexts – learning is more meaningful when it’s linked to real experiences

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🌱 Reflection

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.

👉 Try This This Week

Take Makaton outside

Try using signs like walk, happy, or friend during everyday activities—when you go outside. Notice how it supports interaction and connection in a natural way.

💬 Let’s Connect

Have you ever used Makaton outdoors or in a community group?

I’d love to hear your experiences—share in the comments and follow along for more weekly insights, tips, and real-life stories from my journey as a Makaton tutor.