Welcome!
Welcome to Jacob’s Ladder Productions and the home of Hummingbirds Music.
This site offers a range of new and exciting music resources and teaching materials including Makaton nativity musicals, themed Cantatas for Children, songs, hymns, prayers and music theory resources for children (and adults!) all written by teachers, musicians and composers: Rebecca Thompson and Kevin Stannard.
This site offers a range of new and exciting music resources and teaching materials including Makaton nativity musicals, themed Cantatas for Children, songs, hymns, prayers and music theory resources for children (and adults!) all written by teachers, musicians and composers: Rebecca Thompson and Kevin Stannard.
Singing is one of the first creative experiences children have. It encourages self-expression and affords a deep satisfaction and enjoyment. This website is here to encourage children (and adults) to develop their love of singing by offering a range of new and exciting music resources.
Before appearing here, the songs are tried, tested and 'approved' by the children of St. Mary's the Mount School, Walsall and the children of various Coventry schools where Kevin and Rebecca teach music. This ensures that they are not only enjoyable but easy to learn and accessible for even our youngest singers.
Before appearing here, the songs are tried, tested and 'approved' by the children of St. Mary's the Mount School, Walsall and the children of various Coventry schools where Kevin and Rebecca teach music. This ensures that they are not only enjoyable but easy to learn and accessible for even our youngest singers.
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World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. |
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The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month,
was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. |
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Every year, people all over the world are invited to choose their own activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have Down Syndrome and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
I chose to write this song as a way to embrace and celebrate what makes each one of us special and unique. It comes with Makaton signing and both backing and performance tracks.
I chose to write this song as a way to embrace and celebrate what makes each one of us special and unique. It comes with Makaton signing and both backing and performance tracks.
So, why not celebrate your differences and join with us as we celebrate WDSD.
By doing so we can become part of a very loud single global voice for advocating the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down Syndrome.
By doing so we can become part of a very loud single global voice for advocating the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down Syndrome.
Hummingbirds Music
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This dynamic song writing duo's latest project is a brand-new creature themed cantata for children aged 5 - 8. Creature Cantata III (due to be performed in March 2025), combines wonderfully rich and playful lyrics with memorable, catchy tunes to raise awareness of the rich and varied animal life that exists in this world of wonder.
Click here for more information. |
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Are you interested in learning Makaton?
Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton signs and symbols, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.
Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton signs and symbols, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.
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It is essential that the children and adults with communication and learning difficulties are surrounded by a community who can support their communication needs. This includes their families and friends, teachers, health professionals, public service bodies etc. Makaton is increasingly used by the general public to aid communication.
Are you ready to become part of that community? |
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As a tutor, I offer training to parents, carers and professionals who are interested in learning to use Makaton. So if you're looking for ways to use Makaton with singing, are interested in organising a taster session for parents, carers, teachers or nursery staff or you're ready to sign up to a Level 1 course and beyond please complete the form below and I'll get back to you.
Sing it, sign it!Signed song has become very popular in the last few years and many schools, including the school where Rebecca teaches, now have signing choirs. Combining sign and song enhances the experience of all participants and allows young people who have limited language and communication skills to reap the emotional & creative benefits that arise through the fusion of singing and signing. An increasing number of mainstream schools also use Makaton within their setting on a daily basis where there are children with English as an additional language, where signs and symbols can act as a common thread between languages.
Why not start your Makaton journey by attending a Makaton with Singing course? No prior Makaton experience is needed and you'll learn about 100 Makaton signs.
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Some of the resources available on this sight include Makaton signing. However, if this isn't what you're looking for don't worry as ALL the resources work with or without the signing.
