Language development is an exciting and sometimes challenging milestone for both parents and children. For some children, particularly those who are neurodiverse, born prematurely, or have speech delays, learning to talk can present extra hurdles. In these cases, incorporating visual and manual communication systems like Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) can be incredibly beneficial. But what are these systems, and how can they support your child’s language development?
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language program that combines signs, symbols, and speech to help children communicate. Initially designed for children with communication difficulties, such as those with developmental delays, Down’s syndrome, or autism, it has become a valuable tool for any child who may benefit from additional visual cues to support their language development.
Makaton is different from full British Sign Language (BSL) as it uses simplified signs and integrates symbols and speech, making it accessible for children who may not yet be ready for complex sentences or abstract language concepts. The aim is to provide children with a means of expressing themselves even if their verbal communication is still developing.
What is British Sign Language (BSL)?
British Sign Language (BSL) is the most widely used sign language in the UK and is a complete language with its own grammar and syntax. While primarily used by the Deaf community, BSL can also be beneficial for children with speech delays or those who are strong visual learners. Unlike Makaton, which is designed to be used alongside speech, BSL stands alone as a full-fledged language.
BSL can be an invaluable tool for children who struggle with verbal communication, offering them a visual and physical way to engage with language before they are able to use speech.
How Makaton and BSL Support Language Development
1. Bridging the Communication Gap
For children who struggle with verbal communication, Makaton and BSL provide a way for them to express their needs, wants, and feelings before they develop the ability to speak. This can reduce frustration, encourage positive interactions, and give children a sense of empowerment by allowing them to communicate with the world around them.
2. Supporting Cognitive Development
Using Makaton or BSL engages a child’s visual, motor, and auditory skills, offering a multimodal learning experience that can enhance cognitive development. By linking language with physical actions and visual symbols, children have more concrete ways to grasp the meanings of words and phrases.
3. Encouraging Social Interaction
Children who struggle with communication can often feel isolated or frustrated. Introducing Makaton or BSL early in a child’s development encourages more social interaction with parents, siblings, and peers, helping to foster social and emotional skills that are essential for their overall development.
4. Reducing Speech Delays
For children experiencing speech delays, Makaton and BSL can act as bridges to verbal language. Research has shown that children exposed to sign language or visual communication often begin speaking sooner than those who are not. This is because the use of signs and symbols helps to reinforce language patterns and meanings.
5. Building Confidence
Learning to speak can be daunting for children who struggle to communicate verbally. Makaton and BSL give children a way to express themselves, building their confidence as they realize they can make themselves understood. This confidence often leads to a more eager and successful transition into verbal communication.
How to Get Started with Makaton or BSL
If you’re considering introducing Makaton or BSL to your child, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Start Small: Begin with simple, everyday signs like “milk,” “more,” or “eat.” Makaton and BSL offer resources and guides for beginners, helping you introduce these signs into your daily routine.
2. Be Consistent: Use the signs alongside speech as often as possible. Consistency is key to helping your child understand and start using these tools effectively.
3. Incorporate into Everyday Activities: Sign during meal times, while reading, or during play. Making communication fun and part of your routine will reinforce learning.
4. Use Visuals: With Makaton, you can use symbols alongside signs and speech to aid understanding, especially if your child is a strong visual learner.
5. Be Patient: Every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate small achievements. The goal is to provide positive reinforcement without putting pressure on your child.
Makaton vs. BSL: Which is Best for Your Child?
Choosing between Makaton and BSL depends largely on your child’s specific needs and your family’s communication goals. Makaton is often used for children with developmental delays or speech difficulties because it is simpler and designed to accompany spoken language. This makes it ideal for children who need a basic system to support early communication.
BSL, on the other hand, is a fully developed language with its own structure and is often more suitable for children who are visual learners or who may need a more robust communication system in the long term.
Charities Supporting Makaton and BSL
If you’d like to explore more about Makaton and BSL, there are several charities and organizations that provide resources and support:
Makaton Charities
1. The Makaton Charity
Website: [www.makaton.org](https://www.makaton.org)
This charity offers training, resources, and support for parents, caregivers, and professionals who use Makaton. Their mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their communication abilities, can express themselves.
2. I CAN Charity
Website: [www.ican.org.uk](https://www.ican.org.uk)
I CAN is dedicated to helping children with speech and language difficulties, promoting tools like Makaton to aid communication.
BSL Charities
1. The British Deaf Association (BDA)
Website: [www.bda.org.uk](https://www.bda.org.uk)
The BDA supports the Deaf community and promotes the use of BSL. They provide resources for families and work to ensure access to BSL education.
2. Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID)
Website: [www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk](https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk)
This charity offers a range of services for people with hearing loss and provides resources for learning and using BSL.
3. NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society)
Website: [www.ndcs.org.uk](https://www.ndcs.org.uk)
NDCS supports children who are Deaf or hard of hearing and provides valuable resources for learning BSL.
4. SignHealth
Website: [www.signhealth.org.uk](https://www.signhealth.org.uk)
SignHealth focuses on improving healthcare for the Deaf community and offers support for learning and using BSL.
Conclusion
Introducing Makaton or BSL to your child’s language learning process can be a powerful way to support their communication, social, and emotional development. Whether you choose the simplicity of Makaton or the depth of BSL, both systems provide valuable tools that bridge the gap between understanding and expression, helping children communicate confidently and reducing frustration.
References:
– Slobin, D. I. (1991). Learning to think for speaking: Native language, cognition, and communication. Cognition.
– Grove, N., & Walker, M. (1990). The Makaton Vocabulary: Using manual signs and graphic symbols to develop interpersonal communication. *British Journal of Disorders of Communication*.
– Woll, B. (2012). British Sign Language: The Language of the Deaf Community. *The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia*.
– The Makaton Charity: [www.makaton.org](https://www.makaton.org)
– British Deaf Association: [www.bda.org.uk](https://www.bda.org.uk)
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