makaton Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Children with Down’s syndrome are strong visual learners. Using visual strategies such as Makaton signs and pictures to teach vocabulary can really help as they make language more visual. This enables children to overcome difficulties they may have learning language from just listening....

Every person with Down’s syndrome is an individual, with their own unique personality, strengths and differences. This page is about some of the characteristics which many people with Down’s syndrome have in common. People with Down’s syndrome can continue to make progress with...

What are signs and gestures? Signs and gestures are when you give extra information to the words you say by using actions with your hands or body- like when you wave bye. Why use signs and gestures? Using signs and gestures helps children to understand words. Children can use signs and gestures...

Why use Makaton? Research has shown that signs and gestures are easier to learn than spoken words. Helping your child to learn some signs can stop them getting frustrated before they are able to talk. Signing can help promote verbal stimulation. The hand movement part of the brain is very close to...

How can we support you? We can help you identify the stage your child is at with their understanding of language and their early communication skills. Give you tips and ideas of how you can talk and play with your child to support the development of their speech, language and communication. Since...

Saying or signing ‘more’ allows your child to use their words to ask for things they want. You can say or sign ‘more’ in lots of different situations. For example, with food, toys or peekaboo. Top Tips

Chatting to your child can be one of the most effective ways for them to improve their speech and language. In this YouTube series, Weekend Words, our Speech and Language Therapy team will demonstrate key language strategies for you to try at home. View this video for ideas on how you can help your...

Chatting to your child can be one of the most effective ways for them to improve their speech and language. In this YouTube series, Weekend Words, our Speech and Language Therapy team will demonstrate key language strategies for you to try at home. View this video for ideas on how you can help your...

What is signing? Signing is a way of using your hands to make different movements and shapes to represent words. Why use signing? Some children can successfully use signing as a means of communication. Some children find being signed to really helps them understand language. How do people learn...

There are lots of opportunities for you to support your child’s communication as part of the everyday activity of getting dressed.