“More” is one of the most motivating and empowering signs you can teach in Makaton. Why? Because it gets you something you like.
Food, drink, music, tickles, bubbles — the sign for more can unlock them all. For many people, it’s one of the very first signs or symbols they’ll use, and it often brings huge excitement when they realise “I can make something happen!”
Why More is Motivating
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It gives control — the learner can tell you they want something again.
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It works across settings — at mealtimes, in play, during songs, in therapy.
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It’s rewarding — using the sign leads directly to something enjoyable.
That combination makes more a very powerful early tool for communication.
The Caution with More
Because more is so powerful, there’s a risk it gets used too broadly. If we’re not careful, a Makaton user may begin to think that a specific thing is actually called “more.”
Here’s an example I often use: yoghurt.
If every time someone finishes a yoghurt and asks for more, we hand them another pot straight away, they may begin to think yoghurt is called more. Instead of learning the separate sign for “yoghurt,” they’ll just rely on more as the label.
How to Use More Effectively
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Pair with the specific item: Use more alongside the sign or symbol for the item. e.g. “More yoghurt,” “More bubbles.”
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Model variety: Show that more can apply to different things — food, play, music, activities.
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Celebrate, but extend: Acknowledge their request for more, then model the item too.
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Introduce new vocabulary gradually: As their signing grows, shift focus to the specific items while keeping moreas a useful support.
Closing Thought
The sign and symbol for more are highly motivating, and for many people they’re the very start of real communication. Used well, they teach someone that their voice matters — that what they say can change what happens next.
Just remember to balance it. More is a brilliant stepping stone, but it’s not the whole journey. By pairing it with other signs and symbols, you’ll help a Makaton user build a richer, more accurate vocabulary — one yoghurt pot at a time.
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