Plymstock School’s Lexie Devine raises awareness for Makaton
At Plymstock School, there are many students who undertake selfless tasks to help others. However, there is one student who has recently gone out of her way to help not only her brother, but also all of those who use Makaton sign language throughout Plymouth. Lexie Devine, who is currently in year 7 at Plymstock, recently created a video to share on social media embracing how fun Makaton can be. She emphasised the impact that learning Makaton has had on her communication skills, expressing how important communication is, whether verbal or not.
over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs in their daily lives, however still very few people fully understand what it is
The video, which shows Lexie with her brother, Jacob, enjoying ‘signing’ along to one of his favourite songs, ‘Count On Me’, quickly gained over 600 views and was shared by The Makaton Charity itself. In our society, over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs in their daily lives, however still very few people fully understand what it is. According to The Makaton Charity, “Makaton is a language programme that gives everyone a helping hand to talk.” It involves the use of symbols and signs alongside speech to help people communicate effectively, allowing people to connect with others, even if they may not be able to speak clearly or use traditional sign language. Often Makaton sign language allows people to communicate straight away using these signs and symbols, and then reduce how often they use these symbols once they begin to develop speech, however many people continually use Makaton throughout their lives.
learning just a few different signs can show compassion to those who use Makaton and allow them to feel accepted, rather than ostracised within our communities
Despite no planning, and being filmed by Lexie’s mum in the spur of the moment, it has helped to share a poignant message about Makaton and how we treat it in society. The stigma associated with it often makes it difficult for people to truly understand what it is and why it can be beneficial. However, even learning just a few different signs can show compassion to those who use Makaton and allow them to feel accepted, rather than ostracised within our communities.
Plymstock Staff commended Lexie on creating a video that emphasised the fact “that not only is Makaton fun, but often part of everyday life at home, and the role that some siblings play as part of the life of a brother or sister who has additional needs. Lexie is a very mature, caring, and responsible person, who cares for her brother very much.” Everyone at Plymstock School is very proud of her efforts.
