Looking for signing classes for toddlers? MakaTots offers expert-led, fun signing sessions for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years and their parents, whether you’re brand new to MakaTon or have some prior experience.
Our classes combine talk and sign to develop your toddler’s communication skills, while also sharpening attention and active listening, helping to reduce the frustrations that come when toddlers can’t yet fully express themselves.
Classes are available across the UK, including Aberdeen, York, Scunthorpe & Solihull, making it easy to find a local toddler MakaTots class near you.
Every MakaTots Leader is accredited in the globally celebrated Makaton communication programme, a method lovingly developed using signs and symbols by esteemed speech and language specialists. This approach aids individuals of all ages in their communication journey.
And here’s a bit of telly magic: CBeebies’ very own Mr. Tumble uses Makaton signs in every episode of Something Special, making it easy for your toddler to practise at home each day.
Dive into a world where language is vivid and alive! Our 45-minute classes for toddlers are packed with enchanting stories, joyful singing, playful games and imaginative activities, all carefully crafted to introduce and reinforce Makaton signs and symbols.Research proves these signs are invaluable during a child’s early years, helping your little one to visualise language and blossom into a confident communicator. Come and be part of the MakaTots journey.
MakaTots toddler classes are designed for children aged 18 months to 5 years and their parents or carers. If your little one is younger, our babies’ classes run from birth to 18 months. There is no wrong time to begin signing with your toddler, and classes are structured so that children at all stages of communication development can take part and thrive.
Makaton is often what parents find when searching for toddler sign language classes, but it is slightly different. Makaton combines signs, symbols and speech together, whereas sign languages like BSL are complete standalone languages with their own grammar. Makaton is specifically designed to support spoken language development, making it particularly effective for toddlers who are in the early stages of communication.
Not at all. This is one of the most common concerns parents bring to our classes, and the evidence is reassuring. Research consistently shows that using Makaton alongside speech actively supports and can accelerate toddler language development. Because Makaton signs are always used together with spoken words, your toddler hears and sees language at the same time, which reinforces understanding and encourages them to talk.
Yes, and this is one of the most powerful benefits for toddlers. Much of the frustration children experience at this stage comes from not yet being able to communicate their needs clearly. Simple signs give toddlers a way to express what they want, how they feel and what is happening around them, which can significantly reduce that frustration for them and for you. Many parents find that tantrums ease as their toddler’s signing grows.
MakaTots runs toddler classes across the UK. Use our class finder to search for a local session near you. All of our leaders are fully accredited in the Makaton Language Programme, so wherever you find a class, you can be confident in the quality of teaching your little one receives.
None at all. Our signing classes for toddlers warmly welcome complete beginners, and every session is designed so that you and your little one learn together from scratch. If you have already attended our babies’ classes, you will find plenty of new signs and activities to build on as your child grows.
Makaton for toddlers is an evidence-based speech and language tool recognised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and supported by numerous academic studies, used throughout the UK and internationally.
Independent research from the University of Stirling shows that the Makaton Communication Programme can accelerate your toddler’s speech and language development. By enabling your little one to gain independence and communicate their own choices, Makaton fosters confidence and promotes happiness from the very earliest years.
Makaton was originally developed by leading speech therapists to empower individuals with learning or communication difficulties. It has positively transformed millions of lives by providing a joyful way for people to express themselves independently.
By learning Makaton for toddlers together, you and your little one will join a community of millions who use it to communicate every day, helping to make society a more inclusive and understanding place for everyone.
Many of our wonderful instructors started out as parents in our toddler classes. If you are passionate about toddlers’ communication and would love flexible, rewarding work, we give you everything you need to build your own freelance MakaTots business, from full Makaton training and licensed materials to ongoing support.
Join the team today!