Create a multi-sensory experience for children by using Makaton signs along to your child’s favourite songs and rhymes.
In order to be able to sign along to your child’s favourite song/rhyme you will need to research some of the Makaton signs for key words beforehand. We have listed some useful sites at the bottom, and have included ideas of words to research and an example for you to try.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All day long…
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
All day long …
The babies on the bus go whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
The babies on the bus go whoa, whoa, whoa
All day long …
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
Then up got Jack and said to Jill,
As in his arms he took her,
“Brush off that dirt for you’re not hurt,
Let’s fetch that pail of water.”
So Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch the pail of water,
And took it home to Mother dear,
Who thanked her son and daughter.
Pat a cake, Pat a cake, baker's man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can,
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a 'B',
And put it in the oven for baby and me,
For baby and me,
For baby and me,
Put it in the oven for baby and me.
How this supports your child’s learning:
Learning Makaton signs and using these throughout everyday life can help children:
Extending the activity:
Enjoy using Makaton with your child in everyday life. Puppets can be a great visual aid to extend an activity – you can use them to sing and sign and talk about emotions - teaching signs and symbols for “happy”, “sad”, “angry” and “scared.”
You can get more ideas for signs and songs/rhymes to learn together here: https://singinghands.co.uk/
Useful Resources
*Please note that this list is general signposting and is not a specific endorsement or recommendation by Bright Horizons. Should you utilise or download any of these resources, any exchange of data is solely between you and that provider – please note that these resources may be subject to their own terms and conditions and / or privacy notice. (As Bright Horizons has no control of the contents of the external resources, it can assume no responsibility or liability for these resources or the provider’s use of any data you share with them.)