Bookbug webinar: Makaton Awareness and Bookbug Sessions

Led by Speech and Language Therapists Aileen Buchanan and Heather Sturgeon from NHS Lanarkshire, this webinar allows you to consider how using Makaton(this link will open in a new window) can make a difference to your Bookbug Sessions or other story, song and rhyme sessions. It explorers how Makaton can support all children, including those with speech and language delay and/or additional languages. Filled with practical examples, it gives information and advice which will inspire you to use Makaton in your setting or Bookbug Session. This webinar is not a Makaton training course but will be an introduction to those considering using Makaton in their Bookbug Sessions. It is suitable for all Bookbug Session Leaders and Early Years Practitioners.

This is a recording of a live webinar that took place on Thursday 30 September 2021. Please note that audience comments are mentioned but not visible in the video.

Bookbug Songs and Rhymes using Makaton

• The Hello Song
• Five Fat Peas
• Rainbow Song
• The Wheels on the Bus
• If You're Happy and You Know It
• Ye Cannae Shove Yer Granny Aff A Bus

Useful websites and resources

• The Makaton Charity(this link will open in a new window) – Create an account and access free resources in the Makaton Library area including signs and symbols. You can search for Makaton training workshops face-to-face or online. There is also an online shop where you can purchase books, videos, stories, nursery rhymes and activities etc.
• Using Makaton with The Gruffalo resource(this link will open in a new window)
• Singing Hands(this link will open in a new window) – Founded by two women, Suzanne and Tracy, who used Makaton to support their own child's communication needs. They also run multi-sensory live Zoom sessions for all ages.
• YouTube Channel: SingingHandsUK(this link will open in a new window) – this YouTube channel uses Makaton signing to support speech in nursery rhymes and songs.
• Something Special (Mr Tumble)(this link will open in a new window) – The famous CBeebies character Mr Tumble uses Makaton signs and symbols to support speech in the children's programme. The programme uses a simple and repetitive format making it easy for children to learn the Makaton signs and symbols used.

Featured books

This Bonny Baby by Michelle Sloan and Kasia Matyjaszek (Kelpies/Floris Books) Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt (Penguin Random House Children's UK)