Children begin to learn about the connection between pictures and real objects at a very young age. Through play and exposure to language, they learn the names of these objects and gradually the links and connections between object, name and pictorial representation are made. This process is a natural spontaneous and subconscious one.
Reading, on the other hand, is a difficult, multi-step task that must be actively taught and learned. Symbol support is a helpful bridge from the known (pictures/objects) to the unknown (the printed word). Symbols provide a visual representation of an idea or word and they are particularly useful for use with children who have language difficulties, as the Symbol image helps reinforce the meaning of the written word.
“Children with Autism are often more comfortable with visual than with verbal information. We can process pictures faster than words, especially when we are anxious.” says Nicki Grey, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist Teacher.
Is it important to understand that Symbols are different from pictures. The word ‘picture’ is used to describe an illustration or a drawing, conveying a lot of information at once and its focus may be unclear, while a Symbol focuses on a single concept. This means that Symbols can be put together to build more precise information.
Communication with family and beyond
Widgit Symbols have been used in schools across the UK for many years – and now by a growing number of parents who are using Widgit’s software, Apps and resources specially designed for use at home.
Symbols have been seen to make huge differences to the lives of children and their families. Feedback from parents has shown that Symbols have allowed the whole family to communicate clearly for the first time. Parents can tell their child what is going to happen, and children can in turn make choices by communicating their wants and needs.
Engagement and enjoyment for all
Symbols are not just for children with special needs. The bright images draw-in all children and encourage a more thorough engagement in a text.
When used in the home to support reading, Symbols can help children to access the text with greater independence and can facilitate engaging and relevant conversation between parent and child about their reading. This can make the whole experience more enjoyable for parent and child.
Widgit has worked with authors to produce a number of story books that include Symbols , and also resources to support reading and understanding of a wide range of the most popular children’s titles. Schools have found these resources to be powerful in increasing children’s engagement with texts and their enjoyment of reading. Widgit Symbols, software and resources can also support this process in the home.
Developed by parents and teachers, ‘ready-to-print’ resources and activities include; Symbol supported stories and nursery rhymes, communication choice boards, Symbol/word matching activities, sequencing, routine and timetable charts, behaviour target and reward sheets and many more. They are a great way for parents and carers to encourage children with their reading and understanding in a fun and engaging way.
If your child is familiar with using a tablet computer or iPad, there are a wide range of Apps available to you for use to support their communication and learning development whilst ‘on the go’. The Widgit Go App is great for creating activities and grids to support communication, learning and language development. It can also be used as a voice output device and comes with the full Widgit Symbol Set of over 18,000 symbols.
All children can benefit from the additional support that Symbols provide as they learn about their environment and adapt to a daily routine. For children with a reading or language difficulty, who can find it harder to communicate and access learning, this additional support can be essential. Software packages such as Widgit Online and InPrint3 allow parents to make their own resources, either from scratch or by utilising a range of ready made templates that can be populated with personalised information specific to your child.
Whatever the age of your child or their level of ability, Symbols may be the key to unlocking behaviour and communication issues you have been experiencing. Creating a significant, positive impact, on your child’s quality of life and overall wellbeing, now and in the future.
