At Mapledene, we firmly believe in fostering a learning culture built upon cooperation, resilience and respect. We work closely with external agencies so that we can provide our children and their families with the support they need and we continuously strive to improve our provision for all children, regardless of ability or special need. We encourage pupils to be cooperative and to develop a deepening respect for each other’s cultures, faiths, opinions and values. They learn to work together and provide each other with support, understanding and appreciating that everyone is unique. They are taught that everyone, no matter what their difference or need is, has something valuable to contribute. 

Makaton is one way in which we can support children with hearing or speech impairment. Makaton uses speech with signs (gestures) and symbols (pictures) to help people communicate. Increasingly, Makaton is also being used in an inclusive way with all children, not just for those with communication difficulties. It includes using facial expression, eye contact and body language to give as much information as possible. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. It uses signs and symbols to help people communicate and is designed to support the development of spoken language primarily. 

Learn how to sign each weeks new word with Mrs Mason by clicking on the words below:

Each week we learn a new sign: 

Week beginning : 20th January 2025

Our Sign of the Week is:   

What...doing?

This can be used with a noun in the middle.

E.g. What is the man doing?

                Signing just 'what' 'the noun' and 'doing'