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Two Makaton course attendees practising their Makaton signing together

So, what exactly is the Makaton Communication Programme?

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses symbols (pictures), signs (gestures) and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

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Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do

involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out

problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

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With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what

someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using

printed or drawn symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot sign or prefer

not to sign.​

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For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate

meaningfully or effectively, Makaton really can help. Makaton takes away that frustration

and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This

opens up all kinds of possibilities.

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                                                         The complete Makaton Communication Programme comprises two vocabularies:

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                                                          a Core Vocabulary of essential words or concepts presented in stages of increasing complexity. The                                                              Core Vocabulary is taught first and is the foundation of the programme                                                                                               

                                                          a much larger, open-ended, topic-based resource vocabulary providing an enormous bank of further                                                            signs and symbols covering broader life experiences and used in association with the Core                                                                              Vocabulary as required                                                                                                         

 

                                                          Makaton symbols and signs are matched to all the concepts in the two vocabularies to be used with                                                              speech, the written word or on their own. They provide a visual representation of language which                                                                    increases understanding and makes expressive communication easier.

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                                                          This multi-modal approach, where one mode facilitates another, has been shown to increase                                                                          opportunities for personal expression and development, participation in interaction and socialisation                                                              and to increase access to education, training and public information.

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Makaton is extremely flexible as it can be personalised to an individual's needs and used at a level suitable for them.

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Would you like to know more? Get in touch! alimakatontutor@gmail.com 

 

Check out www.makaton.org. You can sign up for free to access further information and resources!

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Teaching Makaton by Tutor Ali Makaton
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Copyright 2025: Ali Pennington - Makaton Training UK
Tel: 07837 876254      Email: alimakatontutor@gmail.com

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