Including the word under a symbol or sign

This page explains how to decide whether or not to include the appropriate word under a symbol or sign.

Symbols

Always consider the users' understanding and need.

If a user is at an early stage of communication development then the word would usually not be included under the symbol. At this early stage the symbol should be presented as simply as possible to avoid the user possibly perceiving the symbol and word as one whole symbol. Words can then be matched to the symbols at a later stage, when the user is more confident with the symbols and is beginning to show a readiness and/ or interest in text.

Use the symbol and word together for some time and establish a regular method of using the two together. Using the word above the symbol is a successful way of developing reading skills. Gradually the symbol can be decreased in size and moved downwards, and the word gradually moved downwards to replace the symbol. The symbol can be easily reintroduced underneath the word if it is needed to trigger memory.

Words sometimes need to be included with the symbol if the symbol user needs to communicate with people who are unfamiliar with symbols (for example, members of the public, shopkeepers, volunteers, canteen staff). In this case, words must always be included under the symbols.

Where a user has more developed communication and social experience, the word should be included under the symbol from the beginning. This encourages word to symbol association and whole word recognition.

Signs

Sign graphics are usually produced with the corresponding word or words underneath. Sign graphics or illustrated line drawings are used as a memory aid for signs that interactors have learnt either from live instruction or video. They are usually used by the interactive partners of Makaton users. Some more advanced sign users, such as Makaton Peer Tutors, may use them too in preparing resources or as personal reminders when giving training.

The Makaton Charity produces videos demonstrating the signs for both the Core and Resource Vocabularies. The sign graphics in the database and in the sign books are suitable only as memory aids. When learning signs, we recommend that you attend a workshop or, if that is not possible, refer to the video.