NSPCWT are pleased to invite parent carers and professionals within North Somerset to join us and Ali Pennington for an evening of Makaton based on Christmas. This training will benefit parents by giving them the skills to use signs with speech.

If you have ever watched Mr Tumble in your household, you will know the value that Makaton can bring to a persons life; and your toddler or child will enjoy learning from you; hopefully supporting their communication.

To participate in this training, it is preferred that attendees already have a basic knowledge of Makaton, either from a taster session or level 1 trained as you will need the basics to be able use alongside the Christmas signs.

Communication is one of the most important skills we need through all stages of life. Everything we do involves communication: everyday tasks like asking for a drink, learning, having fun and making friends all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

Makaton uses speech with signs (gestures) and symbols (pictures) to help people communicate. Signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. It supports language development by providing extra visual clues about what someone is saying. Many children then drop the signs or symbols naturally at their own pace, as they develop speech. Join us with local Makaton tutor, Ali Pennington, to find out more about this fascinating topic and how to use it with your baby/toddler.