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Original poster

SOMETHING SPECIAL (Makaton based programme on Cbeebies)

14 replies

dottee · 03/08/2004 23:42

I saw the end of a feature on BBC Breakfast this morning saying that 'Something Special' will start next week on Monday. I don't know which channel it will be on but it's a series of 16 programmes where the communcation is Makaton based.

If I find out anymore info., I'll post it.

OP posts:
geekgrrl · 04/08/2004 06:34

thanks dottee! I googled it and found the listings here . I presume they're for CBeebies? I hope it's on terrestrial, too. Just got to try not to miss it now...

mez75 · 04/08/2004 06:59

Yes, i've seen it advertised on CBeebies for the last week or so. The man out of tikabilla is presenting it I think. It says starting soon.

MadameButterfly · 04/08/2004 08:35

It starts on Cbeebies on Monday 9th August. It is on at 6.40am, 10.40am and 2.40pm.

Educational series for four- to seven-year-old children with learning difficulties, offering teachers, parents and carers a range of approaches to develop language and communication skills. Pretend to be a cat, a dog or a rabbit with Mr Tumble, and find out how to sign all sorts of pet animals.

Original poster
dottee · 09/08/2004 09:43

bump - it's on today!

OP posts:
Original poster
dottee · 09/08/2004 19:39

Try this.

OP posts:
Tissy · 09/08/2004 20:22

I saw it at 6.40 this morning on the Cbeebies digital channel. Dd and I loved it! She doesn't have SN, but we did baby signing with her and the signs are similar. She was doing most of the animal signs by the end of the programme, and I'd got most of the others, too! I am hoping to keep up, as I do come into contact with SN kids of all ages at work.

Would deaf children understand? It seems pretty similar to the ASL that I was doing with dd as a baby.

Dingle · 09/08/2004 22:22

Has anyone tried to print off the printables on CBeebies site- tried this evening and only 1 picture was printing ( the photo ) the line drawing, etc ...wasn't coming out at all. Is it me or is it not set up properly. I did warn you I wasn't too hot on technology didn't I

nutcracker · 09/08/2004 22:23

My NT Ds sat and watched the whole thing. It has been on before though, on BBC 2 at lunchtime i think.

coppertop · 10/08/2004 19:39

I missed yesterday's episode so saw this programme for the first time today. I'm still in shock at ds1 and ds2! Ds1 sat on the sofa giggling away and copying the signs. Ds2, who doesn't do much in the way of communicating (no language and no real pointing), sat on the floor and did the sign for rain! He had his back to ds1 and so didn't know that he was signing too. I still can't believe it.

bundle · 10/08/2004 19:40

there's a piece in the bbc mag today they're obviously v proud of it..

Davros · 10/08/2004 21:14

I emailed the BBC to make sure they know how much viewers/parents appreciate this programme. Maybe some other MNers would like to do the same?
[email protected]

I asked if they would make the programme available on DVD or video and got the following info. Just look at the repeats later in Sept when big blocks of programmes can be recorded at the same time. Sadly we are reduced to one video machine here as DH "doesn't believe in video any more"! And the ariel got knocked about in the storm last week so I can't record it now but will next month.

"I am pleased to read that you and your child have enjoyed this series so much; all such feedback is appreciated and will be recorded for the attention of the relevant programme makers and management. So far as your enquiry about the series being available commercially is concerned, I have to inform you that there are no plans at present to release it for sale; however, this will be kept under review and your interest in seeing this released has been noted.

The series is due to be repeated again so there are forthcoming opportunities to record it yourself off-air and I give below the scheduling details.

Something Special
20 x 15 minute programmes

CBeebies Digital channel.
Each weekday morning (Monday-Friday) from 9th August to 3rd September inclusive with each programme shown three times each day at 6.40 am, 10.40 am and 2.40 pm.

Then on CBBC Digital
Programme 1-4 Thursday 23rd September 09:00 - 10:00
Programmes 5-20 Friday 24th September 09:00 - 13:00

They will then be repeated later in the year in blocks in the Learning Zone overnight sevice on BBC 2 as follows:-

Programmes 1 - 8 Saturday 4th December 02.00-04.00
Programmes 9-16 Sunday 5th December 02.00-04.00
Please remember to set your video recorder the night before to record these.

The September and December repeats, being on two consecutive days, should facilitate recording all the programmes although please note that the December repeat excludes programes 17 - 20.

You and your child might also be interested in the Something Special website which has signing practice activities,songs, games, printables as well as links to the scheduling details.

www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/characterpages/somethingspecial/ "

nutcracker · 10/08/2004 21:16

The sign language they are doing, what is it. It's not BSL is it ??
I only ask cos my Dd1 asked me and i didn't know.

Davros · 10/08/2004 21:19

Its Makaton. Based on BSL but for communication difficulties rather than hearing probs, therefore does not replace every word, just key words. www.makaton.org.uk

nutcracker · 10/08/2004 21:20

Ahh i see. I think thats basically what i said to her, but i'll have alook at the website so i can explain properly.

Thanks Davros

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