Better Communication Together CIC

Why I Choose Makaton Symbols

There are several different symbol systems available, and some are very popular because they link easily with symbol-writing software. But for me, both as a parent and a tutor, I prefer to use Makaton symbols — and here’s why:

• Black and white = closest to literacy

  Makaton symbols are always presented in black and white. This makes them clear, uncluttered, and one step closer to written words, supporting the natural journey towards literacy.

• Simple and easy to draw

  I often sketch a symbol quickly if I don’t have one printed. This flexibility makes Makaton symbols practical for everyday use.

• One idea, no ambiguity

  Each symbol represents one clear concept. This makes them easier to understand and avoids the confusion that more detailed or decorative symbols can cause.

• Consistency with signs

  Makaton symbols are designed to sit alongside Makaton signs, so they reinforce each other. At home and in teaching, that consistency is invaluable.

• Recognised across environments

  Because Makaton is used in schools, early years, adult services, and community settings, learners are more likely to see the same system wherever they go.

Choosing the Right Level of Representation

Although Makaton is my personal preference, it’s important to remember that the right symbol (or representation) depends on the individual.

Understanding develops in stages and people might recognise and use different types of symbols :

• Some people first recognise real objects 
• Others use objects of reference — chosen objects that consistently represent an activity, place, or person.
• Many then move on to photographs or pictures, before becoming ready for simple concept drawings like Makaton symbols.
• For some, written words become meaningful symbols. Think about it - the alphabet is the most versatile of all symbol sets!

• And at the top of the ladder, the most abstract form of symbol is the spoken word.

What matters is finding the stage that makes sense to the person right now and supporting them to progress when they are ready. 

It’s been my experience that people may use symbols differently for expression and for understanding. For example, my son can use Makaton symbols both to express himself and to understand instructions. But if he can’t find the right symbol, he sometimes reverts to using real objects — at the moment, he’s carrying around a gravy boat to make his point!

Everyone is different. Some people might use objects to express themselves and symbols to understand, while others use a mix of representations depending on the situation. The important thing is flexibility — matching both expression and understanding to what works best for the individual.

Final Thoughts

For me, choosing symbols is about so much more than convenience. It’s about clarity, consistency, and supporting real communication. 

Another strength of Makaton symbols is that they support the development of reading direction. Symbols always face outwards if shown in portrait, or to the right if shown in profile. This left-to-right consistency mirrors the way we read and write, giving an additional layer of literacy support. And importantly, symbols can also be flipped if the user reads right-to-left, so the system can adapt to their needs.

Because Makaton symbols are black on white, they are not only simple and close to written literacy, but they also support visual acuity. The high contrast makes them easier to see and recognise.

By comparison, colour symbols can sometimes get lost — for example, a colourful symbol with green might be difficult to pick out if it’s printed on green paper. Colour itself can also be a distraction for some people, pulling their focus away from the communication. For others, too much detail in colour can cause confusion. I’ve seen this in practice — for instance, a symbol of a person wearing red trousers can be misleading if the actual person they represent isn’t wearing red trousers.

These have been my own personal experiences when supporting symbol users, and it’s one of the reasons I value the clarity and consistency of Makaton’s black-and-white approach.

Most importantly, they work seamlessly alongside Makaton signs, which means learners experience the same system across home, school, and community. Of course, every person is different, and the right representation should always be chosen for the individual — but for my child, and for many learners I support, Makaton symbols offer the best balance of accessibility and progression.