How to Use Makaton with Songs and Stories: Benefits, Tips and Ideas

Using Makaton with Songs and Stories

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses signs, symbols and speech together to support understanding and expression. It is widely used with children and adults who need support with their communication and understanding of language.

However, Makaton is equally valuable in mainstream education, early years settings, healthcare and community environments, helping to create more inclusive communication for everyone.

One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to use Makaton is through songs and stories. Music and storytelling naturally engage learners, encourage participation, and provide meaningful opportunities to introduce and reinforce key vocabulary.

By combining speech with Makaton signs and symbols, practitioners, parents, carers and educators can create fun, interactive experiences that promote language development and build confidence.

Whether you are singing nursery rhymes, reading bedtime stories or delivering circle time activities, Makaton helps make communication more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Why Are Songs and Stories So Effective?

Children—and many adults—learn best when they are actively engaged. Songs and stories capture attention through rhythm, repetition, movement and imagination, making them ideal for introducing new vocabulary.

When Makaton signs are used alongside speech during songs and storytelling, learners receive information in multiple ways. They hear the word, see the sign, experience the action and often associate it with pictures or symbols.

This multi-sensory approach supports understanding and helps vocabulary become more memorable.

Songs and stories also create opportunities for repetition without becoming repetitive. Hearing and signing the same key words regularly helps learners build confidence while strengthening communication skills over time.

Benefits of Using Makaton with Songs

Music is a powerful communication tool. Adding Makaton signs to familiar songs encourages everyone to participate, regardless of their communication abilities.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Supports speech and language development.

• Reinforces understanding of new vocabulary.

• Improves memory through repetition and movement.

• Encourages active participation and engagement.

• Develops fine motor skills through signing.

• Builds confidence in communication.

• Promotes social interaction and turn-taking.

• Creates an inclusive learning environment where everyone can join in.

  
  

Popular songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Old MacDonald Had a Farm and If You're Happy and You Know It are excellent starting points because they contain repetitive language and familiar routines. Take a look at the fabulous Singing Hands online, they have a range of wonderful nursery rhyme videos!

Benefits of Using Makaton with Stories

Story time becomes even more engaging when key words are signed throughout the book. Rather than signing every word, Makaton focuses on the important concepts within the story, allowing listeners to follow the narrative while learning meaningful vocabulary.

Using Makaton during storytelling can help learners:

• Understand the story more easily.

• Learn new words in context.

• Improve listening and attention skills.

• Increase confidence in expressive communication.

• Join in with repeated phrases and predictable language.

• Retell stories using signs and speech.

• Develop sequencing and comprehension skills.

  
  

Interactive stories encourage participation by inviting learners to sign repeated words, answer simple questions and predict what happens next, making reading a shared communication experience.

How Makaton Supports Language Development

Research and experience show that using signs alongside speech can support language learning rather than delay spoken language.

Makaton provides a visual representation of key words, helping learners make connections between spoken language and meaning. This can reduce frustration for individuals who struggle to understand or express themselves while encouraging communication in whichever form works best for them.

Using Makaton consistently during everyday routines—including songs and stories—helps reinforce vocabulary naturally throughout the day.

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

One of the greatest strengths of Makaton is that it benefits everyone, not just individuals with identified communication needs.

When an entire class, family or group learns and uses signs together, communication becomes more inclusive and accessible. Children quickly learn that there are different ways to communicate, helping to develop empathy, patience and respect for others.

Using Makaton during shared activities means everyone can participate together, regardless of age, ability or confidence.

This inclusive approach is particularly valuable in:

• Nurseries and preschools

• Primary schools

• SEND settings

• Childminding environments

• Hospitals and healthcare settings

• Community groups

• Family homes

  
  

Practical Tips for Using Makaton with Songs and Stories

If you're just beginning your Makaton journey, don't feel you need to learn hundreds of signs at once.

Instead:

• Choose one favourite song or story.

• Learn five to ten key signs.

• Always use speech and signs together.

• Repeat activities regularly.

• Encourage participation without correcting every mistake.

• Keep sessions enjoyable and interactive.

• Celebrate every attempt to communicate.

Remember, communication is about connection—not perfection.

Choosing Songs and Stories for Makaton

Some of the best resources include:

Songs

• Nursery rhymes

• Action songs

• Seasonal songs

• Counting songs

• Animal songs

  
  

Stories

• Repetitive storybooks

• Books with predictable phrases

• Picture books with simple vocabulary

• Interactive storytelling sessions

• Stories linked to everyday routines

Selecting familiar content allows learners to focus on developing communication rather than trying to understand an entirely new activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using Makaton stop children from talking?

No. Research and practical experience show that Makaton supports communication and often encourages spoken language by reducing frustration and helping learners understand vocabulary.

Should I sign every word in a story?

No. Makaton focuses on signing the key words that carry the main meaning. This keeps communication natural and supports understanding without overwhelming the learner.

Can Makaton be used with children who do not have additional needs?

Absolutely. Makaton promotes inclusive communication and benefits all children by supporting language development, vocabulary and confidence.

Which songs work best with Makaton?

Simple, repetitive songs with actions are ideal. Nursery rhymes and familiar action songs provide excellent opportunities to practise key signs.

How often should I use Makaton?

The best results come from using Makaton consistently throughout daily routines. Even a few minutes of signing during songs, stories and everyday conversations can make a significant difference over time.

Start Your Makaton Journey

Learning Makaton doesn't have to be overwhelming. Every sign you learn is another opportunity to make communication more accessible and meaningful for someone else.

Whether you're a parent looking to support your child, an educator creating an inclusive classroom, or a professional wanting to develop your communication skills, Makaton can transform the way people connect and interact.

Through songs and stories, Makaton brings communication to life—building confidence, encouraging participation and helping everyone find their voice.

Ready to Learn More?

If you'd like to develop your Makaton skills, our training courses and workshops provide practical, hands-on learning that you can use immediately in your home, classroom or workplace.

We offer:

• Makaton training for individuals and professionals.

• Bespoke workshops for schools, nurseries and organisations.

• Family learning sessions.

• Practical ideas for using Makaton in everyday routines, songs and stories.

• Ongoing support and resources to help you build confidence.

  
  

Get in touch today to find out how Makaton training can help you create a more inclusive and communication-friendly environment. Together, we can make communication accessible for everyone—one sign, one song and one story at a time.

alimakatontutor@gmail.com