In my day-care setting, I use Makaton signing for pre-speech babies and toddlers. Makaton is a language programme, which uses symbols, signs and speech as well as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and body language to help children and adults communicate. The signs and symbols have been devised to help and support, rather than completely replace speech and writing. Mr. Tumble uses Makaton on the BBC programme ‘Something Special’.
Studies have shown that babies have the ability to understand and communicate from about six months, but that their speech and associated motor skills are not sufficiently developed until they are at least twelve months old, which means that your child may know what they want but are unable to communicate that message. Makaton signing can help to bridge that gap, easing your child’s frustration and tension. It has also been shown, and this reflects my own experiences, that signing babies can go on to speak earlier, have wider vocabularies and even higher IQ’s than non-signing babies in general. As a child starts to speak, they will sign less. I use a range of signing puppets, which help to teach sign language and finger spelling in songs and rhymes to children of all ages, the puppets help to create a fun learning environment.
If you are interested and would like to know more about Makaton, please visit the Makaton Charity.
