Makaton Workshops and Communication Skills Training
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We can offer Makaton training from our in-house qualified Makaton Tutor. All our Makaton training and workshops can be offered online as a Zoom session or face-face (location dependant, currently central west/ east Scotland).
Current Training Sessions and Workshops
Makaton Introduction and Taster Workshop
We offer an introduction and taster Makaton workshop for education and health professionals as well as club volunteers and anyone wishing to gain a bit more knowledge about Makaton to support their communication with individuals with Down’s syndrome.
This workshop will cover:
- A brief introduction to what Makaton is and how it fits into the communication profile of individuals with Down’s syndrome
- An overview of some basic everyday signs
- An overview of the makaton training that is available and the benefits of further training
If you would like more details and to arrange a bespoke session please contact Katy Lironi at katy@dsscotland.org.uk.
Makaton Level 1 Training
Level 1 training is the starting point for learning Makaton. It is recommended for anyone with an interest in Makaton, including:
- Parents, family members, carers who would like to start using Makaton at home
- Any professionals or volunteers who need to use Makaton in their work
Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. Sessions include discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work.
You will also learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2, and some of the Additional stage, of the Core Vocabulary.
The Level 1 workshop training is made up of two modules which can be delivered in a number of different ways. A Face-to-Face or in-person workshop is typically covered in one full day of around 7 hours. Online training for Level 1 takes a minimum of seven hours and can be delivered in two to four sessions on one or more days.
If you would like more information or to book Makaton Level 1 Training please contact Katy Lironi at katy@dsscotland.org.uk.
Makaton Minis
These bespoke fun sessions are designed to meet the individual needs of your pupils, lasting 45 minutes. These sessions are for nursery and primary-aged children to give them an introduction to Makaton. Topic-based and/or seasonal Makaton signs are taught and used in themed songs, stories and activities. Sessions can be designed to your specifications. Previous workshops have included songs, signs, stories and activities related to– Spring animals/ Hallowe’en/ A trip to the park/ On the farm, etc.
Cost – £50
If you would like more information or to book a session for your nursery, school or group please contact Katy Lironi at katy@dsscotland.org.uk.
Makaton Seasonal Workshops
These online workshops are delivered via Zoom and are for those working with early years and primary-aged children in an educational/club setting to learn new signs, songs and stories that you can incorporate into your learning and activities.
- Winter and Christmas – Thursday 21st Nov – 4.30-5.15pm
Each workshop costs £25 per person.
These workshops can accomodate up to 20 participants. You can book these here.
Communications Skills Workshops for Primary Years
These Communication Skills Workshops are for primary school education professionals, they are designed to support teachers, support assistants and other members of school staff who include an individual with Down’s syndrome in their educational or recreational setting.
The techniques and strategies in these sessions are drawn from research findings on the learning style and specific profile of language development in children with Down’s syndrome and are designed to support the development of key elements of communication.
In the workshop, we will explore:
- Communication strengths and delays common to people with Down’s syndrome
- Techniques to support children and young people with Down’s syndrome in and out of the classroom
- Strategies to improve speech clarity
- Strategies to improve working memory and improve communication skills – leading to increased social confidence and minimising isolation
These workshops cost £20 per person. There are no upcoming sessions. We hope to schedule more sessions in 2025.
Communications Skills Workshops for Teen Years and Beyond
These Communication Skills Workshops are for secondary school education professionals, they are designed to support teachers, support assistants and other members of school staff who include an individual with Down’s syndrome in their educational or recreational setting.
The techniques and strategies in these sessions are drawn from research findings on the learning style and specific profile of language development in children with Down’s syndrome and are designed to support the development of key elements of communication.
In the workshop, we will explore:
- Communication strengths and delays common to people with Down’s syndrome
- Techniques to support children and young people with Down’s syndrome in and out of the classroom
- Strategies to improve speech clarity
- Strategies to improve working memory and improve communication skills – leading to increased social confidence and minimising isolation
These workshops cost £20 per person. There are no upcoming sessions. We hope to schedule more sessions in 2025.
Makaton Topic- based Workshops
These topic-based workshops can all be booked in-house at a time and date to suit you, for your own educational setting/ organisation/ club. These workshops are designed for people working with early years and primary aged children, but can easily be adapted for secondary aged young people and beyond. We will work with you to create a bespoke session on a topic of your choice introducing new vocabulary, songs and signed stories.
These sessions last for one and a half hour and cost £150.
To enquire about a workshop for your nursery, school or group, please call Katy Lironi on 07770 019468 or email katy@dsscotland.org.uk.