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

Learning Makaton doesn’t have to feel like 'teaching' — in fact, the more fun it is, the more children will learn! For toddlers and young children, play is the best teacher. 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...

Whether you’re a parent, early years practitioner, or childminder, weaving Makaton into games and songs can make communication feel natural, exciting, and full of laughter. Some of my favourite roles have been within Early Years and have seen first hand the impact creating a total communication environment can have.

In this post, we’ll explore creative play ideas, signing games, and songs that make learning Makaton both engaging and effective.

🌟 Why Fun Matters in Makaton Learning

Children learn best when they’re having fun. When Makaton is used during play, it becomes part of real life — not something “extra” to learn. Using signs in songs and games helps:

• Build confidence and motivation to communicate

• Reinforce vocabulary and memory through repetition

• Strengthen social interaction and turn-taking

• Encourage both speech and signing together

The key is to keep things light, repetitive, and interactive.

🎲 Playful Makaton Game Ideas

1. Makaton Treasure Hunt

Hide everyday objects around the room — like a cup, ball, or teddy. Show your child the sign for the item you want them to find (“ball,” “teddy,” etc.).When they find it, sign “well done” or “good job” together!

➡️ You’re reinforcing understanding of both the word and sign through movement and excitement.

2. Sign and Seek

This twist on hide and seek makes signing part of the game. Before hiding, agree on a “ready” sign (like “go”). When found, the seeker uses the sign for “found you!” or “hello.”

➡️ This adds context and meaning to signs while keeping everyone giggling.

3. Makaton Simon Says

A brilliant way to practice action words like “jump,” “clap,” “sit,” and “dance.”Take turns being “Simon” and make sure to sign every instruction.

➡️ Children get used to watching and copying — perfect for building attention and imitation skills.

4. Storytime Signing

Pick a short story or picture book your child loves. As you read, sign key words like “cat,” “big,” “happy,” “sleep,” or “friend.” Encourage your child to join in for repeated words or phrases.

➡️ You can even make your own simple story cards and act them out together.

5. Emotion Match-Up

Use pictures or toys showing different feelings — happy, sad, tired, angry — and practice matching the face to the Makaton sign. Talk about how people feel, and sign as you speak. However, be aware that emotions present differently depending on the individual and we can't rely on one photo representing an emotion if it's presenting differently to how another might express these feelings.

➡️ This builds emotional awareness and vocabulary at the same time.

🎶 Singing with Makaton

Music is one of the most powerful tools for Makaton learning. The rhythm and melody help children remember signs and words more easily.

Here are some songs that work beautifully with Makaton:

🎵 1. “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

Add signs for “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” and “excited” Encourage everyone to join in — adults included!

🎵 2. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”

Perfect for practicing animal signs — cow, pig, sheep, duck. You can even use toy animals to make it more interactive.

🎵 3. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

Introduce signs for “star,” “sky,” “world,” and “diamond.” The slow pace makes it great for beginners.

🎵 4. “The Wheels on the Bus”

Each verse introduces new action signs like “jump,” “sleep,” “sing,” and “read.” It’s repetitive and full of natural movement. Children need between 50 - 100 words in their vocabulary to being putting two words together, I regularly use this song in practice to help build verb, or action, vocabulary combining these with nouns, or names of things, is a great way to support using two words together to build phrases.

🎵 5. “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”

A fun way to combine signing and movement, great for learning body parts.

💡 Tips to Keep Makaton Fun and Engaging

• Go at your child’s pace – it’s about connection, not perfection.

• Use praise and excitement – celebrate every attempt to sign or copy.

• Repeat and vary – repeat favourite games but change small details to keep interest.

• Get the whole family involved – the more people sign, the more natural it feels.

• Use real-life opportunities – sign “drink” when offering a cup, or “car” on the way out.

❤️ Final Thoughts

When you mix signing with games, songs, and laughter, children see Makaton as part of their world — not a task to be learned.

So next time you sing or play, add a few signs and symbols too and see how your child lights up. Small signs can make a big difference in how children connect, communicate, and express themselves.

 References

• The Makaton Charity (2024). What is Makaton? Retrieved from https://makaton.org

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). (2023). Supporting communication through signing systems.

• Department for Education (2024). Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

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