One comment I hear surprisingly often is that Makaton is "too limited."
In my last blog, we explored the Makaton Core Vocabulary and why it focuses on the concepts people use most often.
But the Core Vocabulary is only part of the Makaton Communication Programme.
So what happens when someone wants to talk about hospitals, gardening, Christmas, jobs or STEM?
That's where the Resource Vocabulary comes in.
What is the Resource Vocabulary?
The Resource Vocabulary is the collection of additional concepts that sit alongside the Core Vocabulary.
While the Core Vocabulary provides the foundation for everyday communication, the Resource Vocabulary allows communication to expand as a person's interests, experiences and life change.
It's not a separate system.
It's an extension of the same Communication Programme.
Why isn't everything in the Core Vocabulary?
The Core Vocabulary deliberately focuses on the concepts that give people the greatest communication power.
There's no need for everyone to learn every possible concept from day one.
Instead, people learn new vocabulary when it becomes meaningful and useful to them.
That's exactly how spoken language develops too.
What sort of concepts are included?
The Resource Vocabulary contains thousands of additional published concepts covering all sorts of topics.
For example, there is vocabulary relating to:
- healthcare
- education
- employment
- food and drink
- transport
- hobbies and leisure
- religion
- weather
- feelings
- places
- seasonal events
As new communication needs emerge, new concepts can also be developed and published.
Did you know?
Makaton Membership gives you access to over 40,000 signs, symbols and video tutorials through the Makaton Library on the website and the Makaton App, making it easy to search for vocabulary whenever you need it. Find out more by visitng Makaton.org
It grows with the person
One person's Resource Vocabulary might include signs they use every day at work.
Another person's might reflect their faith, favourite hobbies or health needs.
Someone learning Makaton doesn't reach a point where they've "finished."
Like all language, vocabulary continues to develop throughout life.
The aim isn't to know every concept.
It's to have the concepts you need.
Final thoughts
The Makaton Core Vocabulary gives people a strong foundation for communication.
The Resource Vocabulary builds on that foundation, allowing communication to grow alongside the individual.
Together, they form the Makaton Communication Programme - supporting communication from first signs through to the changing needs of everyday life
If you're a Makaton Member, you'll find thousands of additional signs, symbols and resources in the Makaton Library, all searchable through the website or the Makaton App. Membership also includes video tutorials, downloadable resources and regular new content. Makaton Membership
Whether you're looking for vocabulary to support work, hobbies, healthcare, education or everyday life, the Resource Vocabulary helps communication continue to grow long after the Core Vocabulary.