Finding additional signs outside of MAKATON

[MommyUpNorth]

I've just sent through a list of signs I needed to our SLT (mostly emotions as this is our current IEP target), and she's sent back various signs which are either similar(ish!) or she's made them up.

A lot aren't really what I was looking for... for example, for 'surprised' she's said to use 'like'... but we're also doing 'I like...', so wouldn't this be confusing!?

If the signs aren't available in MAKATON, where do you move on to? I was asking about BSL for specific signs rather than the whole 'language'. I'm slightly concerned about making up too many signs as it won't really work out too well when he's out in the big world (he's only 5 just now!).

If anyone has supplemented, what did you use, and most importantly, where would I find the supplies as our SLT is useless when it comes to any training or materials!

Is there a BSL book in the same sort of drawing style as the MAKATON books that I can purchase somewhere? I tend to print the signs to go with any books or activities that we do so that anyone looking after him can also use the signs! :)

Sorry I am not sure if you mean signs or symbols. I use board maker for symbols they give you a free trial where I print like crazy.

Try Forest Books they have a great selection of sign language books etc. I used to have a great book called Communication Link, which had simple pictures of lots of BSL signs. Makaton does have signs for emotions, I'm sure. Maybe your SALT isn't that good. Do you have a local SS? They may be able to help you. Makaton books are quite expensive, IIRC. Forest Books probably have some. In BSL surprise was hand at chest level, in a fist facing your body, then fingers splayed, facing your body, eyebrows raised.

www.forestbooks.com/forest/makaton-sign-supported-communication/makaton-personal,-social-and-health-education-book-of-signs/rvm04b20.html Would this be too pricey?

Sorry if that wasn't clear... I was meaning the actual signs (actions) rather than the pictures. We have boardmaker already for setting up various visuals to go along with things, but I'm looking for the picture of the sign... It's like a stick person demonstrating what to do for each individual sign.

Had a quick look makaton have a sign to be shocked cannot find surprised yet but so many books and personal is not ready for my choice on IPad yet.

If you google bsl dictionary and click on actual signs (sorry no good at links) they have loads of little video clips of signs, you might find what your looking for.

Thanks for that EJ... that link is perfect! Will bookmark to have a look through & for future. :)

Yes, I've just downloaded the word list off the Makaton site and can see lots of the signs are available... my SLT isn't very good. I've bought many of the books already, so will invest in a few more!

SS doesn't have the signs (I'm assuming that's Sure Start)... My Social Worker offered to help, but he only has PECS/Boardmaker.

I think for us to move on, unfortunately we'll have to buy it in ourselves.

Sorry, SS is special school. Many SS use Makaton. Some are really approachable and may even offer Total Communication courses.

if you want bsl books, look for ones by Cath Smith for good clear pictures and descriptions. The ndcs has just published a booklet about emotions here you have to sign in to download it but it's free to do that.

Ah, ok, our SS uses MAKATON only because of ds. They are enthusiastic, but are really wanting more training! They don't have any additional resources. :(

Thanks Adams... yes, I've been to that site already and it's fab!

Ninja, that is just what I'm after!!! Thank you. I've signed up, so will have a better look through the rest of the site this weekend.

I knew I'd find the answer here rather than going through the 'professionals'! You guys are great! :)

if you have a kindle or the app you could get something like this quite cheaply, they also do this as an ipad app if you have one of those. I have (amongst others) this book which is good, if you wanted me to check if specific signs are in there I can look for you.

makaton is based on bsl so if you did start using a few of those signs they are likely to be the same or pretty similar in the most part.

Ninja, I can't thank you enough!!! He has an iPad, and watches ASL videos on YouTube. :) I'll get on to those apps today as they are soooooo much cheaper than the MAKATON one. I really didn't want to buy that one as we've already bought the books & I can't really paying nearly the same to have it in app form!

SLT got back to me and they only have a few MAKATON books, hence the reason she didn't have the signs. I think in the long run it may be more cost effective to make the switch to BSL now, as I'd have to get all the rest myself in order to continue.

Would just like to second Ellen and Ninja, (sign waves at them both)
do you know about the ITV signed story website? stories are filmed in BSL, with voice over and subtitles) They are lovely. Cant remember the address for the site, but if you google 'signed stories' it comes up first...

Ps, we used signing with ds (ASD and LD) he had same 6 spoken words from 14 months to 4 yrs, but by age 4 had 250 signs, and was making 3 or 4 sign 'sentences' . we used proper BSL signs, but spoke at the same time and used English word order, (known as SSE signed supported english) worked really well for us, and ds is now (5 1/2 yrs) very verbal, not very clear yet, but very chatty