In 2018 we're featuring signs from the Core Vocabulary, which is the starting point for everyone learning Makaton. This week's sign is Kind. Keep it Core! We recommend using signs from the Core Vocabulary whenever possible... makaton.org/CoreVocabulary Join in with our Sign of the Week. Make your own video and share on social media using the hashtag #wetalkmakaton | The Makaton Charity

In 2018 we're featuring signs from the Core Vocabulary, which is the starting point for everyone learning Makaton. This week's sign is To Help. Keep it Core! We recommend using signs from the Core Vocabulary whenever possible... makaton.org/CoreVocabulary Join in with our Sign of the Week. Make and share your own video using the hashtag #wetalkmakaton to appear on our video wall on wetalkmakaton.org | The Makaton Charity

It's International Makaton Awareness Day! 🌈 Makaton is a unique language programme that uses signs, symbols and speech to support communication. It helps people of all ages and abilities express themselves and connect with others. At Rainbows, we believe every voice matters, which is why we’re proud to use Makaton to support the babies, children, young people and families in our care. To celebrate, some of our amazing children and colleagues have come together to sing and sign I Can Sing a Rain

The theme for this week’s #Makaton topic video is FEELINGS & EMOTIONS. We’ve enlisted the help of fellow Makaton Charity Patron & all-round Makaton legend Dave Benson Phillips to join in with his wonderful facial expressions too 🤩 We know we are experiencing a very difficult time at the moment and might need some help expressing how we feeling. We’ve added in the concept of STRESSED (from Communication Link / BSL) as it’s a really useful one particularly for older children/teenagers & adults. H

We love songs about emotions - and here’s a classic from the Lion 🦁 King where we use the signs for no worry but in Swahili ♥️ With huge thanks to our pal Terry who plays the Ukulele on this track & who agreed to come & join us in the park with our kazoos. Grab yourself a shaker (and a kazoo if you have one) and join in. Enjoy! Don't Tell Smith 🎸 🎵 | Singing Hands

Here is Debbie demonstrating the Makaton sign for "thirsty". This sign is particularly useful for the children in nursery if they struggle to express their needs verbally. When children can't express their needs, they can become frustrated and upset. Makaton signs provide a way for them to communicate their needs, reducing these negative emotions. By learning to use signs like "thirsty," children can express their needs independently, boosting their confidence and self-reliance. | Guildford Nurs