Makaton Sign Of The Week
Introducing Our Makaton Sign of the Week at Wellingborough.
At Pop Up Day Nursery Wellingborough, we are always looking for ways to make communication more inclusive and accessible for every child.
That’s why we are really excited to be introducing a “Makaton Sign of the Week” across the nursery.
Each week, both the children and staff will learn a new sign together and begin using it naturally throughout the day during routines, songs, activities and conversations.
What Is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication programme that uses signs, symbols and speech together to support language development. (makaton.org)
The signs are always used alongside spoken words, rather than instead of them, helping children to connect language with meaning visually and physically.
For young children especially, this can make communication much easier and less frustrating while their speech is still developing.
Supporting Early Language Development
Children develop language at very different rates, and for some children, being able to see and use signs can really help support understanding and communication.
Using Makaton regularly can help children:
Build vocabulary
Understand routines and instructions
Communicate wants and needs
Develop confidence when interacting with others
We naturally already use lots of visual communication in early years, so introducing weekly signs feels like a lovely extension of this.
Supporting Children with EAL
For children with English as an Additional Language (EAL), communication can sometimes feel overwhelming while they are learning a completely new language.
Makaton gives children another way to understand and join in before they feel confident verbally.
Simple repeated signs alongside words can help children:
Understand key routines
Feel included in group activities
Build confidence communicating with staff and peers
Communication is about so much more than spoken words, and visual support can make a huge difference.
Supporting SEN & Speech and Language Delays
Makaton is also widely used to support children with:
Speech and language delays
Communication difficulties
Autism
Additional needs and SEND
For some children, signs can reduce frustration and help them express themselves while spoken language develops.
Even very simple signs such as:
More
Finished
Help
Drink
Can have a huge impact on a child’s confidence and ability to communicate their needs.
Learning Through Play & Routine
Our sign of the week will be introduced in fun and meaningful ways throughout the nursery, including:
Songs and nursery rhymes
Group times
Daily routines
Story sessions
Play opportunities
Children often learn best through repetition and consistency, so using signs naturally throughout the day helps them become part of everyday communication.
Working Together with Families
We’ll also be sharing our weekly signs with parents so you can join in at home too if you’d like to.
You definitely do not need to be an expert in Makaton, even learning a few simple signs together can really support children’s communication and confidence.
Our Overall Aim
At the heart of it, introducing Makaton is about making sure every child feels:
Heard
Understood
Included
Supported
Communication looks different for every child, and we want all children at Wellingborough to feel confident expressing themselves in whatever way works best for them 💛