Makaton Nursery Rhymes vs. Something Special

Attribute	Makaton Nursery Rhymes	Something Special
Target Audience	Children learning Makaton	Children with additional needs
Format	Animated nursery rhymes	Live-action TV show
Use of Makaton	Uses Makaton signs and symbols	Uses Makaton signs and symbols
Learning Focus	Language development and communication skills	Social skills and inclusivity

Introduction

Makaton Nursery Rhymes and Something Special are two popular children's programs that aim to promote communication and language development in young children. Both programs use Makaton, a unique language program that uses signs and symbols alongside speech to help children communicate. While they share this common goal, there are some key differences between the two programs that set them apart.

Content

Makaton Nursery Rhymes primarily focuses on teaching children popular nursery rhymes using Makaton signs and symbols. The program features catchy tunes and colorful visuals to engage young viewers and help them learn the signs associated with each rhyme. On the other hand, Something Special is a more general educational program that incorporates Makaton signs into various activities and games to promote communication skills in a broader context.

Target Audience

Makaton Nursery Rhymes is specifically designed for young children, typically preschool-aged, who are just beginning to develop their language and communication skills. The program's simple and repetitive nature makes it easy for young viewers to follow along and learn the signs and symbols. In contrast, Something Special caters to a slightly older audience, including children up to primary school age, who may have more advanced communication needs.

Interactive Elements

One of the key differences between Makaton Nursery Rhymes and Something Special is the level of interactivity in each program. Makaton Nursery Rhymes is more focused on teaching children specific signs and symbols through repetition and visual cues. In contrast, Something Special incorporates interactive elements such as games, puzzles, and challenges to engage children in a more hands-on way and encourage active participation in the learning process.

Educational Value

Both Makaton Nursery Rhymes and Something Special offer valuable educational content for young children, but they do so in slightly different ways. Makaton Nursery Rhymes helps children learn specific signs and symbols through familiar nursery rhymes, which can aid in memory retention and language development. On the other hand, Something Special provides a more holistic approach to communication skills by incorporating Makaton signs into various everyday activities and scenarios, helping children apply their knowledge in real-life situations.

Accessibility

Another important aspect to consider when comparing Makaton Nursery Rhymes and Something Special is their accessibility to children with different learning needs. Makaton Nursery Rhymes is designed to be simple and easy to follow, making it suitable for children with a wide range of abilities. Something Special, on the other hand, may be more challenging for children with certain learning disabilities or communication difficulties due to its more complex and varied content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Makaton Nursery Rhymes and Something Special offer valuable resources for promoting communication and language development in young children. While Makaton Nursery Rhymes focuses on teaching specific signs and symbols through nursery rhymes, Something Special takes a more interactive and holistic approach to communication skills. Ultimately, the choice between the two programs may depend on the age and learning needs of the child, as well as personal preferences for content and style.