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

The world of Makaton is all about building communication skills but often I am reminded of just how powerful shared learning experiences can be. This week was definitely both.

Over the course of the week, I had the pleasure of delivering Level 1 Makaton training for the fantastic team at SWALLOW in Midsomer Norton, facilitating two online training sessions for supported living settings and delivering a rare but always rewarding public Level 1 workshops in Weston-super-Mare.

Although each session was different, they all shared one thing in common: a passion for creating more inclusive communication environments.

Returning to SWALLOW for Level 1 Training

It was wonderful to return to work with the team at SWALLOW to deliver Level 1 Makaton training.

Level 1 is always an exciting place to begin because this is where learners are first introduced to the power of using signs and symbols alongside speech. Throughout the day, participants explored the foundations of Makaton and began developing practical skills that they could immediately take back into their everyday roles.

Watching confidence grow throughout a Level 1 workshop never gets old. What starts as tentative signing often quickly develops into enthusiasm, laughter and a growing appreciation of just how much difference accessible communication can make.

Delivering Online Training for Supported Living Teams

Alongside face-to-face training, I also delivered two online sessions for supported living settings.

Online learning continues to provide fantastic opportunities for organisations to access training flexibly while still benefiting from interactive discussions, practical activities and shared experiences.

One of the things I enjoy most about online sessions is seeing teams reflect on how Makaton can be embedded into everyday routines, supporting individuals with communication needs to make choices, build independence and feel more included in their communities.

Whether training takes place in person or online, the goal remains the same: creating communication environments where everyone has the opportunity to understand and be understood.

A Rare Public Level 1 in Weston-super-Mare

One of the highlights of the week was delivering a public Level 1 workshop in Weston-super-Mare.

Public courses are rare for me (for the most part I am hired in by businesses and organisations across many sectors to deliver private team training) which made this session feel even more special.

Participants arrived as complete strangers, coming from different backgrounds, professions and experiences but by the end of the training something quite lovely had happened.

Through sharing the experience of learning a new skill together, supporting one another and celebrating successes, the group had become much more than a room full of attendees. New connections had been formed, confidence had grown and friendships had started to develop.

There is something incredibly powerful about people coming together with a shared purpose and discovering that communication and inclusion are values that unite us all.

Why Learning Together Matters

Makaton training is about far more than learning signs and symbols.

When people learn together, they share ideas, experiences and perspectives that enrich the learning experience for everyone involved. Participants often leave not only with new skills but also with renewed enthusiasm and practical ideas for how to create more inclusive environments in their own settings.

The sense of community that develops during training sessions is one of the reasons I love being a Makaton Tutor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Level 1 Makaton Training

What do you learn during Level 1 Makaton training?

Level 1 introduces the principles of Makaton and teaches practical signs and symbols that can be used immediately in everyday communication.

Who is Level 1 suitable for?

Level 1 is suitable for anyone interested in improving communication, including professionals working in education, health care, social care, early years, supported living settings, as well as parents and carers.

Do I need any previous experience?

No previous experience is required. Level 1 is designed for beginners and those new to Makaton.

Can Makaton training be delivered online?

Yes. Online Makaton training remains highly interactive and provides flexible access to learning for teams and organisations across different locations.

Why are public Makaton courses valuable?

Public courses bring together people from different backgrounds and sectors, creating opportunities for shared learning, networking and collaboration while developing communication skills.

Top Tips for Starting Your Makaton Journey

• Practise signs regularly in everyday situations.

• Use signs alongside speech rather than instead of speech.

• Focus on communication rather than perfection.

• Use visuals to reinforce understanding wherever possible.

• Build confidence by learning little and often.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This week was a wonderful reminder that Makaton training is as much about people as it is about communication.

From returning to familiar faces at SWALLOW, to connecting with supported living teams online, to watching strangers become friends during a public workshop in Weston-super-Mare, every session reinforced the importance of inclusion, connection and shared learning.

Communication has an incredible way of bringing people together, and I feel incredibly fortunate to witness that every single week.

Let's Connect

Have you attended a public training course where you met people you might never otherwise have crossed paths with?

I'd love to hear about your experiences of learning new skills, making new connections and embedding inclusive communication in your own setting.