Walking into school every morning, hurrying to the staff room for my first cup of tea, I pass the ‘Breakfast Club’.
Holbrook Primary School, where I teach, runs a breakfast club for its
pupils every day, a chance to eat something nutritious and start the
day in a settled and inspiring way. It’s an important time and can have
huge influence over the rest of the day, positively or negatively. The
school works hard to give the best possible start to its pupils,
encouraging their mind and bodies to be prepared and ready to learn.
On a few occasions I’ve noticed the pupils standing in front of the
screen copying dance moves or doing a mini morning workout. My first
thought is ‘Maybe I should put down my biscuit and join them’.
Afterwards, I thought it would be a good opportunity for them to use
some Makaton, promoting signing and giving their brains a kick start, to
the day.
The
staff running the club were enthusiastic about the idea and the very
next morning I walked in and saw a very large version of myself high up
on the wall. All of breakfast club were joining in, including the staff.
The pupils were engaged and focused, being active and concentrating, it
was a great way to expand their muscles and their minds. I could tell
they were having a lot of fun too.
The great thing about Makaton is that it benefits everyone in our
school, even if pupils don’t use the signs to communicate, the physical
and cognitive benefits are enormous. Pupils begin their education each
day with focus, energy and enthusiasm.
Now when I walk in and see the pupils excitedly signing, I feel lucky
to work in a ‘Makaton Friendly’ environment, that positively promotes
inclusion and is able to celebrate our differences, recognising the
benefits for all.
Holbrook Primary School is a Makaton Friendly school, click here for more information about becoming Makaton Friendly and its benefits.