Empowering Little Hands: Signing the Future with Makaton and Baby Sign Language

In the building blocks of life, being able to effectively communicate is one of the biggest skills we will ever learn. Communication can be both verbal and nonverbal with language programmes such as Makaton and Baby Sign using speech, signs and symbols to allow children and adults to express their needs and thoughts to each other.

Makaton is used by over 100,000 people in the UK to help them effectively communicate with the people around them. Makaton is a language programme that incorporates speech, signs and symbols in spoken word order.

Some people who use Makaton have learning or communication difficulties. This can include people living with Autism , a cleft lip & palate , a developmental language disorder , Down's Syndrome , Global developmental delay , multi-sensory impairment (deaf blindness) and verbal dyspraxia . However, Makaton can be helpful for anyone who may struggle to communicate their needs. For example, it can be beneficial to teach a baby who does not yet have developed speech Makaton, as they may be able to express their needs through signs rather than speech. This turn can reduce frustration. In fact, research has shown that using signs and symbols whilst your child is developing can encourage the development of speech and language skills!

Makaton is now used in over 40 countries around the world! The types of signs and symbols used in Makaton will vary depending on which country you live in. For example, in the UK some of the signs and symbols used in Makaton are based off British Sign Language (BSL). This means that in each country, Makaton is developed in conjunction with the natural sign language of that country. Even in countries around the world that use English as their first language, the Makaton signs and symbols will differ compared to those used in the UK.

Baby Sign Language can be an effective way to allow your little one to communicate before they start talking, but it is not a language in its own right. Baby Sign uses signs that have been derived from various signing systems such as British Sign Language. However, it is not the same sign language used by those with hearing impairments, although it may look similar. It is a collection of modified and simplified signs that will allow your little one to express their needs prior to talking.

You may even already be using Baby Sign Language without realising it! For example, when encouraging your child to eat you may mimic eating yourself with hand gestures. If so, then this is a Baby Sign that your little one may begin to copy and use during mealtimes.

There are multiple benefits of including Makaton or Baby Sign into your daily routine. In fact, a lot of these benefits overlap! Some of these include:

• There are reduced frustrations for children using Makaton or Baby Sign as they can communicate their needs.
• Makaton and Baby Sign offers a visual focus which can improve attention and listening skills.
• Fine motor skills are developed as children learn how to refine finger and hand positioning for sign differentiation.
• Makaton and Baby Sign allows children to express their needs which can help develop confidence and independence.
• Research suggests Makaton and Baby Sign Language helps to develop communication skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. This can be beneficial for children learning English as an additional language.
• Using Makaton can promote inclusivity, especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The good news is that it is not terribly difficult to teach your little one language programmes such as Makaton or Baby Sign. However, the process will require repetition, consistency and patience. As children can begin to understand basic words such as ‘milk’ at around 6 months of age, this can be a good time to start introducing your language programme of choice. However, it is important to remember that it can take several months for your little one to begin using Baby Sign after you begin incorporating it into your daily routine. 

Here are some tips of how you could do this: 

• Start with the basics: Begin to use signs that are part of your everyday routine. This will give you plenty of opportunities to practice the signs and will allow your little one lots of time to see the sign or symbol in use. It might be useful to learn signs for ‘milk’, ‘play’, ‘book’, ‘sleep’, or ‘eat.’
• Use aids that show Makaton or Baby Sign symbols and signs: Flashcards can be a great way to show and allow your child to recognise signs and symbols whilst completing activities and processes. For example, potty training often coincides with the development of verbal communication, making Baby Sign a helpful tool to ease the process. The Potette Potty Training Flash Cards are a set of 9 educational baby sign cards designed to aid your potty-training journey. The colourful and engaging illustrations are a fun way of visually teaching your toddler to potty train through pictures! The cards were developed with Potty Training Expert Susan Wallace from Settled Petals, from the award-winning Potette.
• Always speak as you sign or use symbols: It is a common myth that using Baby Sign will impair your child’s speech development. Make sure to talk as you sign as this will allow your little one to hear the sounds of the words you are signing. Language programmes such as Baby Sign do not and should not take the place of speaking.
• It’s fun: Remember that using a language programme such as Makaton or Baby Sign is fun. It can take a while for both you and your little one to get the hang of it but be patient and enjoy the process of learning. Using songs or nursery rhymes can encourage the use of signing. 

When choosing whether to incorporate Makaton or Baby Sign Language into your child’s communication development, it is important to decide which language programme will be most beneficial to both you and your little one. It is important to consider whether your little one has any additional requirements that may make learning Makaton more beneficial than using Baby Sign. On the other hand, it is important to remember that Makaton will require specific training to learn the signs and symbols it uses.

If you have any concerns around your children’s hearing or communication development, it is important to discuss these with your health visitor or doctor. They will be able to arrange a hearing test if it is necessary.

Communication is a vital part of how people interact with each other in society. Whilst there is not one single approach to communication development that will work with every family, it is important to remember that this is a key skill that your little one will use throughout the rest of their life! Enjoy the learning process and seeing how your child begins to understand the world around them through signs, symbols and speech!