Makaton

At our nursery, we believe that giving every child a way to express themselves is the key to building confidence and reducing frustration. That’s why we are on a journey to integrate Makaton into our daily life through our Sign of the Week initiative. This program is a highlight of our communication strategy, designed to give every child a voice through signs and symbols while fostering a truly inclusive environment where everyone can be understood.

The introduction of Makaton is a wonderful exercise in developing early language and social connection. In every room, from our youngest explorers to our pre-schoolers, we introduce a new sign of the week that matches our daily routines or themes. This consistent focus helps children connect a physical action with a spoken word, providing a vital bridge for those who are still developing their speech or for those who find visual cues more accessible.

The heart of these sessions lies in child-led communication and empowerment. As the children learn and practice the new sign, whether it’s for "more", "please", or "friend", they gain a sense of agency and pride in being able to communicate their needs and feelings clearly. It is incredibly moving to see a child successfully use a sign to interact with a peer as it empowers them to lead their own social adventures and build deeper connections with those around them.

Once a sign is introduced, the magic of collective communication begins. As everyone joins in together, the children practice the fine motor coordination and focus needed to mirror the signs accurately. For our nursery family, Makaton isn’t just a lesson; it’s a natural part of our day-to-day interactions. Whether we are singing a song with signs or using them during mealtimes, these moments turn language learning into a joyful, shared experience that celebrates all forms of expression.

Beyond the linguistic benefits, Makaton and our Sign of the Week are powerful tools for developing empathy and inclusion. The children learn that there are many ways to speak and listen and they participate enthusiastically in making sure their friends feel included in every conversation. It creates a supportive community where every child’s unique communication style is valued, helping them build the self-esteem needed to interact confidently with the world.

We love sharing these signing milestones with you through the Famly app, so you always know which sign is our focus for the week. By keeping you updated on our Makaton journey, we hope to bridge the gap between nursery and home, allowing you to use the same signs together and see your child’s communication flourish in real-time. Our team is always here to show you the correct movements if you’d like to join in the signing fun at home!