In Nursery we are learning to use 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. Talking does not just involve speaking. Watch someone talking, they will not just be saying words but they will also be using hand movements or gestures, facial expression, eye contact and body language (posture and movement). All this is communication.

Makaton uses speech with signs (gestures) and symbols (pictures) to help people communicate.  We also use facial expression, eye contact and body language to give as much information as possible.

With Makaton, signs are used with speech in spoken word order. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Research has shown that signs and gestures are easier to learn than spoken words.  There are many signs which we have included for you to practice. Each week we will be learning new signs. You can practice these at home with your child.

In September we have learned the signs for:

Wash hands   dry hands    toilet   

In October we learned the signs for :

listen     sit-down       stop      come    wait

In November we have learned the signs for:

Please    Thank-you    Sorry     Hello    

Song:      'You are my sunshine' (please visit the link in 'November Topic Toys'

In December we learned the signs for:

Sing    Play      Help     Santa      Reindeer     Stars     Angel     Donkey

In January we will learn the signs for:

Friends    you  I   Share    Snow    Ice    Outside   white