Embracing the World of “Signing Friends”
When it comes to unlocking communication skills, especially for little ones, there’s nothing more rewarding than finding the perfect tool to make learning fun and accessible. That’s precisely what the “Signing Friends” book series achieves. This collaborative project between the much-loved Singing Hands team and us here at Happydesigner has been an exciting journey filled with creativity, passion, and plenty of cups of tea!
Singing Hands is dedicated to promoting Makaton signing through songs, rhymes, and now beautifully illustrated books. Together, we’ve created a series that’s not only educational but also engaging for children and adults alike. These books are more than just stories; they’re a gateway to inclusive communication, helping children to express themselves in new and meaningful ways.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive Learning through Makaton: The Signing Friends series introduces Makaton signing to children, using storytelling to make language learning fun and accessible.
- Engaging Characters: Led by Poppy, a lovable puppet, each character in the series helps children connect with Makaton signs, covering themes from animals to colours and everyday objects.
- Interactive Videos for Enhanced Learning: QR codes in each book link to videos by Singing Hands, helping parents and children learn signs together with visual guides.
- Collaborative Support from The Makaton Charity: Additional resources, including line drawings and symbols, are available to reinforce learning beyond the books, emphasising inclusive communication.
- Future Expansions: With new titles and digital resources in the pipeline, Signing Friends continues to grow as an essential tool for fostering communication and inclusivity in children’s learning.
Fun fact: Each Signing Friends book uses vibrant stories and engaging characters to teach Makaton signing, helping kids build confidence in communication. #Makaton #SigningForKids #InclusiveEducation #LearnWithSigns
The Genesis of “Signing Friends”
The idea for the “Signing Friends” series was sparked by Singing Hands’ desire to make Makaton signing more accessible to families. Singing Hands has always been about breaking down communication barriers, and what better way to do that than through storytelling?
The vision was clear from the start: to create a range of books that would be fun, inclusive, and packed with practical vocabulary for children to learn and use every day. That’s where we at Happydesigner came in! Our studio took on the challenge of bringing this vision to life. From the initial character sketches to the bold, vibrant illustrations that now grace the pages, it’s been a rewarding collaboration.
These books were designed with real children and families in mind. Every character, from Poppy to her cheerful friends, was created to be relatable and engaging. By integrating Makaton signs into these stories, we’re opening up new avenues for learning and helping children, regardless of their abilities, to communicate confidently.
Meet the Characters: Poppy and Her Friends
The heart of the “Signing Friends” series lies in its lovable characters. Leading the way is Poppy, a vibrant puppet with a big personality. Alongside her are her friends Jack, Zack, and Lola, each bringing their own flair to the stories. These characters are more than just adorable faces; they serve as guides for children learning Makaton.
In books like Poppy Goes to the Farm and Poppy Goes to the Zoo, each character embarks on exciting adventures. These stories are cleverly designed to introduce new signs, making the learning process feel like playtime. Poppy’s enthusiastic nature and Jack’s curiosity make them perfect companions for children as they learn signs for animals, colours, and everyday objects.
Our goal was to ensure diversity and inclusivity so every child feels seen and represented in these stories. With their colourful illustrations and engaging narratives, these characters quickly become friends who make learning Makaton both fun and memorable.
Exploring the “Signing Friends” Series
So, what can you expect from the “Signing Friends” series? Well, it’s not just one book but an entire collection designed to grow with your child’s learning journey. There are many books already available and plenty more in the pipeline to be released over the coming years, so there’s lots to look forward to! Here’s a closer look at the current book titles you’ll find:
Storybooks:
- Poppy Goes to the Farm
- Poppy Goes to the Park
- Poppy’s Birthday
- Poppy Goes to the Beach
- Poppy Goes to the Zoo
- Poppy Goes Shopping
- Poppy’s Busy Week
- Poppy’s Christmas Eve
Activity Books:
- Poppy’s Pets 1-2-3
- Poppy’s Book of Colours
- Poppy & Zack’s A-B-C
- Poppy’s Months and Seasons
‘Let’s Get Started’ Series:
- I See
- I Hear
- I Feel
- I Can
- I Like
- I Go
The series doesn’t just concentrate on storytelling. There are interactive activity books that dive deeper into learning specific signs and concepts, such as fingerspelling and counting. The ‘Let’s Get Started’ series we developed features simple, repetitive phrases like “I see,” “I hear,” and “I feel.” These are perfect for beginners and help to build confidence in using Makaton in everyday conversations.
By using engaging stories centred around real-life themes, children can quickly learn to associate signs with words they use daily. This approach helps to reinforce both language and cognitive development, making these books a fantastic resource for parents, carers, and educators alike.
The Role of Makaton in Child Development
Makaton is not just about signing – it’s a language programme that uses a combination of signs, symbols, and speech to support communication. Unlike traditional sign language, Makaton is designed to be used alongside spoken English, making it ideal for children with speech and language challenges.
Research has shown that using sign language can enhance children’s language development, particularly in their early years. By incorporating signs into stories, children can connect words with gestures, improving their comprehension and memory retention. This method is especially beneficial for children with developmental delays, as it helps reduce frustration and enables them to express themselves more clearly.
The “Signing Friends” series leverages the power of storytelling to teach Makaton in an enjoyable way. The repetitive and predictable nature of the books helps children anticipate what comes next, encouraging participation and boosting their confidence. Whether your child is a fluent communicator or just starting out, these books are a great way to introduce them to the joy of signing.
Interactive Learning: QR Codes and Signing Videos
One of the standout features of the “Signing Friends” series is its integration of technology to enhance learning. Each book includes a QR code that links directly to a signing video. These videos, presented by Singing Hands, provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the signs featured in each story.
We know that one of the biggest challenges for parents and carers is learning how to sign effectively. That’s why these videos are so valuable. They allow you to see the signs in action, making it easier to replicate them when reading with your child. The combination of visual storytelling and interactive videos creates a seamless learning experience.
This dual approach not only improves sign recall but also makes reading time a more interactive and engaging experience. As you and your child watch the videos together, you’ll be able to practise the signs, boosting your own Makaton skills while building your child’s confidence.
The Creative Process: Illustrations by Happydesigner
Bringing the world of “Signing Friends” to life was no small feat, but it was a challenge we were thrilled to take on at Happydesigner. Sarah led the charge and poured her creativity into crafting illustrations that are not only colourful and eye-catching but also inclusive and diverse.
We wanted every page to pop with personality, so each character and scene was thoughtfully designed to captivate young readers. From Poppy’s signature red hair to the bright backdrops of the stories, every detail was crafted to make learning feel like an adventure.
Working closely with Singing Hands, we ensured that the illustrations complemented the Makaton signs being taught, making the books both visually appealing and educationally effective. Our illustrations are designed to draw children into the story, encouraging them to engage with the characters and signs.
Collaboration with The Makaton Charity
The journey of creating “Signing Friends” wouldn’t have been complete without the support of The Makaton Charity. We’ve partnered with them to create additional resources that go beyond the books. These resources include Makaton line drawings and symbols, available for download on their website, which can be used to practise signs at home or in the classroom.
By working together, we’ve created a comprehensive learning experience that extends beyond the pages of the book. The resources are themed around each story, making it easy for parents and teachers to incorporate signs into everyday learning. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to promoting inclusive communication for all children.
Availability and How to Purchase
Excited to get your hands on the “Signing Friends” series? The books are now available for purchase directly from the Singing Hands online shop. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply a fan of inclusive storytelling, these books are a fantastic addition to your collection.
Make sure to follow both Singing Hands and Signing Friends on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) for updates on new releases, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content. We also encourage schools, libraries, and bookshops to stock these books – they’re a wonderful resource for fostering inclusive learning environments.
Conclusion: Embarking on a Makaton Adventure with “Signing Friends”
The “Signing Friends” series is more than just a set of books – it’s a movement towards inclusive communication and learning. Whether you’re looking to introduce Makaton to your child or simply want to enjoy a heartwarming story together, these books are a fantastic place to start.
We’re incredibly proud of our collaboration with Singing Hands, and we can’t wait for you to join Poppy and her friends on their Makaton journey. Happy signing, everyone!
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