What is Makaton? 

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs 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. 

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. 

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 symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot or prefer not to sign. 

Link to Makaton Website

How do we use Makaton at Lanterns?

Lanterns Nursery School is Makaton-friendly. Staff are trained in Makaton and strive to use it in their daily practice. We promote signs on a regular basis, these are displayed around the school, are taught to the children and shared with parents/carers.