👐 Inclusion · Foundation · 15 min

Makaton Basics for JLK Practitioners

Makaton uses signs + symbols + speech together. Universal benefit — supports children with speech delay, SEND, EAL, or just early language development. Every JLK practitioner benefits from knowing 20 core signs.

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Module 1

What Makaton is (and isn't)

~4 min

Learning purpose: Makaton is often confused with BSL. Understanding what it actually is shapes how you use it.

💚 What Makaton IS

A language programme using signs + symbols + speech together.
Designed to support spoken language, not replace it.
Always sign KEY words in a sentence, not every word.
Always speak while signing — never sign silently.
Helps children with speech delay, SEND (especially Down syndrome, autism), EAL, and typical early language development.

❌ What Makaton is NOT

Not British Sign Language (BSL). BSL is a full language with its own grammar. Deaf children/adults use BSL, not Makaton typically.
Not to be used silently — always alongside speech.
Not something you need to be qualified in to START using — 20 signs is a great baseline that ANY practitioner can learn.

I understand Makaton is signs + symbols + speech together — never silent
I know Makaton ≠ British Sign Language
I always sign only KEY words, and always speak while I sign

Module 2

The JLK 20 core signs

~8 min

Learning purpose: these are the 20 signs every JLK practitioner should know by heart. They cover 80% of daily nursery interactions.

💡 How to actually learn these: reading them isn't enough — you need to watch and practise.

The official Makaton Charity is at makaton.org — their free resources page has downloadable sign sheets and a "sign of the week".
Their official YouTube channel is signposted from the makaton.org homepage — search "Makaton Charity" on YouTube (verify it's the official one, blue tick / linked from makaton.org).
Or ask your SENCo to run a 20-min Makaton refresher in a team meeting — often the fastest way to learn.

👐 The JLK 20 — organised by daily moments

Greetings + politeness (5):

hello · goodbye · please · thank you · sorry

Snack + mealtime (5):

food · drink · more · finished · water

Routine + activity (5):

help · wait · sit · look · listen

People + comfort (5):

mummy · daddy · friend · sleep · good

📽 Learning + practising

Watch the Makaton Charity video for each sign.
Practise in front of a mirror — the hand SHAPE matters.
Pair up with a colleague and quiz each other.
Use them in real routines this week — every meal, every transition.
Sing songs with signs (e.g. "If You're Happy and You Know It" — sign the "happy" and "clap").

I've watched at least 10 of the JLK 20 signs on the Makaton Charity YouTube channel
I'm using at least 5 signs during daily routines this week
I'll practise all 20 with a colleague before the end of the month

Module 3

Using it well — every day, everywhere

~3 min

💚 Where to use signs during the day

Morning welcome: "hello" + child's name + sign.
Snack time: "food" + "drink" + "more" + "finished" (all signed).
Story time: sign key words in the story (dog, big, sleep, home).
Transitions: "wait" + "sit" + "look" + "listen".
Comfort moments: "mummy" + "daddy" + "friend" + "good".
Goodbyes: "goodbye" + sign.

🌱 Universal benefit

Sign with ALL children, not just those with SEND. Benefits:

Supports typical early language.
Reduces frustration for pre-verbal toddlers.
Helps EAL children bridge languages.
Normalises SEND-supporting practice — no child stands out.

I use signs with all children, not just those with SEND
I've identified 3 daily routines where I'll consistently sign this week

Knowledge check

End-of-course quiz · 4 questions

Pass 80%

Need 3 out of 4 to pass.