BGU Makaton courses offer signing skills

Makaton short courses at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln offer learners the opportunity to develop their signing skills.

After a successful run last year, BGU will again be offering Makaton training for this academic year. The training is aimed at students, teachers and anyone else with a need or interest in learning sign language.

Starting in October 2017, BGU Innovation are offering one-day introduction courses, two-day foundation courses or three-day enhancement courses.

Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order.

Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs. Most people start using Makaton as children then naturally stop using the signs and symbols as they no longer need them. However, some people will need to use Makaton for their whole lives.

The Makaton courses at BGU take the form of workshops, meaning students will have the chance to share experiences, receive feedback and practice with others. It also provides the opportunity to meet and build a relationship with a Makaton Tutor, who can help and support learners in the future.

Makaton tutor Jane Huskisson said, “Teaching Makaton has introduced me to a whole new experience and given me an insight into the lives of those who need Makaton to communicate.

“Some use the odd word/sign to aid communication where others sign key words and full sentences. It is an enjoyable learning experience for people of all ages. Learning signs and symbols from the Makaton core vocabulary, enables learners to make choices, express themselves and live their lives to their full potential.

“I have had some lovely positive feedback from all courses and most have stated how much fun they have had. I'm a firm believer that learning should be fun, to help us retain the information we have been given.”

Click here to find out more about BGU’s Makaton short courses.

Click here to find out more about BGU's Early Childhood Studies courses.