1. The Makaton Language Programme
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2. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
What is Makaton?
1.1
A unique language programme which may be used as:
a systematic multi-modal approach for the teaching of:
communication skills,
language skills and
literacy skills
a source of highly functional vocabulary for:
the person with communication needs, and
their interactive partners
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3. Essential Features of Makaton
1.2
Core Vocabulary (450 concepts)
Resource Vocabulary ( concepts)
Used with speech, signs and/ or symbols
Flexible teaching methods
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Core Vocabulary
1.3b
450 words/ concepts
functional
everyday communication
high frequency
organised in stages
personalised
basic level is grammar-free
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Resource Vocabulary
1.4
11,000+ words/ concepts
topic based
expands Core Vocabulary to meet individual need
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Children and Adults
1.6
with difficulties such as:
poor attention and listening
understanding speech
understanding what will happen next
developing speech
making themselves understood
telling people
what they want
how they feel
what they are thinking
their choices and preferences
learning to read and write
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7. Communication Needs Associated With:
1.7
profound, severe, moderate or mild learning difficulties
autistic spectrum disorders
profound-severe physical impairment
sensory impairments
specific language disorders
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8. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
Who Uses Makaton?
1.5b
Children and adults with a broad range of communication needs
Interactors of all kinds: parents, carers, professionals, friends
Education and Service Providers for translation of information to increase user access
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9. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
Aims of Using Makaton
1.8
for basic communication
to help understanding
to develop language skills
to facilitate social interaction
to help build relationships
to increase equal opportunities
to teach pre-reading and pre- writing skills towards literacy
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Symbols in General Use
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3.1b
Symbols in General Use
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Makaton Symbols
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13. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
3.2b
Makaton Symbols
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Makaton Overseas
Makaton is used in over 40 countries including:
Kuwait
Greece
Australia
Germany
Japan
Russia
New Zealand
France
South Africa
Poland
Switzerland
India
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16. Questions commonly asked about Makaton
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17. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
Will using Makaton stop someone from talking?
Do you have to teach the stages precisely. And why is the vocabulary presented in stages?
What problems are helped by using Makaton signs and symbols?
What are the main aims of using Makaton?
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Do we sign every word that is spoken?
How precise do the signs have to be?
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How long would you keep working with a student before giving up?
Can you use a mixture of signs and symbols?
Would you use signs with someone who mainly uses symbols to communicate?
Why does everyone need to know all the signs?
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20. Where can I find the signs?
www. makaton.org - resources
MyChoicePad Pro
Facebook: makaton (lower case typed page)
Mr Tumble!
ME!
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21. © The Makaton Charity 2010 Makaton® Foundation Workshop
Sadie Ayres - Lead for Communication and Interaction
The Forest School
Makaton Regional Tutor: No. R1537
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