Introducing the concept of 'sorry' when using Makaton signs

When we are modelling the sign for “sorry” in Makaton it's more important to look at the meaning behind it.

In communication support, especially when using Makaton, our goal is to build understanding, not just imitation. “Sorry” is one of those words that carries deep emotional and social value — it’s about empathy, repair, and connection.

Simply prompting someone to sign “sorry” after a disagreement or mistake doesn’t necessarily help them understand why they’re saying it.

I have seen this many times over the years in practice "say your sorry" statements happened as frequently as hearing "use your words" I am often asked what the sign for 'sorry' is when delivering training, this particularly springs to mind when delivering a training a course for an Academy Trust a few weeks ago. We had some great discussions around this sign within the group and I have covered what we spoke about below, I have included some references and further reading below. Please note - As with all my blogs I speak about my own personal experiences and my points of view. If you would like to do your own research I have added some links within this blog and below.

🧠 Understanding “Sorry” in Developmental Terms

Children’s ability to understand and express remorse develops gradually and you can find out more information on developmental emotional milestones and more about using 'sorry' in this insightful blog written by Rebecca Smith on 30th July 2025 for the National Day Nurseries Association Empathy in early years: supporting children to empathise - NDNA blog 

💬 Modelling the word and sign for “Sorry” Through Meaningful Action

Instead of focusing solely on the using the Makaton sign 'sorry', we can teach the concept of sorry through real-life experiences:

• Model empathy. Show what it means to make amends — help fix what went wrong, offer comfort, or share a kind gesture.

• Describe emotions. Use language like “You look sad,” or “I can see that hurt your friend,” to link the word sorry with feelings and context.

• Reinforce natural opportunities. When a toy is broken or a bump happens by accident, guide reflection: “You didn’t mean to hurt them. Let’s see if they’re okay.”

• Use the sign in context, not in isolation. The sign becomes meaningful when it’s used with understanding, empathy, and genuine interaction.

  
  

When “sorry” is over-prompted or taught as a routine response (“Say sorry!”), it can lose its value. The goal should always be understanding over repetition. For some individuals, especially those with communication or social understanding differences, modelling actions — like checking someone is okay, offering a tissue, or helping to fix something — teaches the concept of apology far more effectively than the word or sign alone.

✋ The Power of Modelling

As communication partners — whether parents, carers, or educators — we set the tone. Using the sign and the word “sorry” sincerely ourselves helps others see its emotional weight. Over time, the gesture becomes naturally linked to empathy, rather than a response to an adult’s instruction.

When we focus on meaning, not mimicry, “sorry” becomes more than a word or a sign. It becomes a bridge to understanding emotions, repairing relationships, and showing care — and that’s the real heart of communication.

References:

• The Makaton Charity (2024). Core Vocabulary and Teaching Social Concepts. https://www.makaton.org

• Grove, N. (2019). Developing Emotional Literacy through Makaton and Symbol Use. Speech & Language Therapy in Practice Journal.

• RCSLT (2023). AAC and Emotional Communication Guidance. https://www.rcslt.org

• Denham, S. & Weissberg, R. (2004). Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood. Early Education and Development Journal.

• Dunn, J. (1988). The Beginnings of Social Understanding. Harvard University Press.

• Empathy in early years: supporting children to empathise - NDNA blog by Rebecca Smith