Mr Tumble
Something Special is an awesome TV program for both little ones, and us big ones, to learn some key Makaton sign language, and have a laugh with Justin, Mr Tumble and the Tumble family.
Something Special is a BAFTA award winning BBC CBeebies show, devised by BBC producer Allan Johnston, a former teacher at a special school. It has been broadcast, in a variety of different forms and upgrades, since 2003 and is aimed specifically at children with delayed learning and communication difficulties. However, ask most kids around a certain age and everyone knows who Mr Tumble is.
This is currently broadcast on Cbeebies on a daily basis and can therefore be found on BBC iplayer and YouTube or just google Mr Tumble or Something Special and there is plenty of information. The Something Special website has lots of games, activities, Makaton signs and symbols as well as Mr Tumble singing and signing some nursery rhymes.
In each episode Justin Fletcher meets one or more children and he takes them on a fun day out/learning journey. The episode then visits Mr Tumble, played by Justin, and his family, also played by Justin. The episode is usually set around his home for the slapstick humour element. Members of the Tumble family include Lord Tumble, Grandad Tumble, Miss Polly and Chef Tumble. The episode has lots of Makaton in and encourages the children to sing and sign along right from the start with the hello song. Some elements of the programme are the same every time which really helps to reinforce some of the signs.
As a family, we have learnt a lot of Makaton from Justin and Mr Tumble, we highly recommend you give it a try. Just look at how much your little one enjoys it!
