Sign language is a surprise hit
20 Mar 2007
Lots of kids learn languages like French, German or Spanish at school but, thanks to a TV show, a special sign language is becoming more popular. Makaton, a mix of spoken words and hand signals, is featured on CBeebies show "Something Special".
It was developed to help kids with learning difficulties, but teachers reckon it can help all kids learn to express themselves more easily.
It's now taught to kids in schools all over the world.
Makaton has some of the signs used in British Sign Language, but uses them in a different order. Experts say combining words with signs helps kids concentrate, and makes it easier for you to communicate. Hundreds of thousands of children in some 40 countries use Makaton in their schools.