Early Years
Supporting communication and
reading for young learners
Learning to read and write can be very difficult, especially when new concepts are being introduced. Young children can also find a new environment daunting and hard to navigate.
Widgit symbols add support to the learning environment and motivate children.
Symbol labelling, visual timetables and educational materials make it easier for young children to access information and feel more confident.
Success Stories
Staff working in Early Years settings and children's centres use symbols to label the environment, making it accessible to pre-school children not able to read.
Symbols are also used to help children explain and communicate by choosing the relevant symbol, for example symbolised cards to answer the question, "How are you feeling today?"
From the Symbols Inclusion Project
Symbols are often used to support behaviour management.
Staff make booklets to model the right choices, such as playing together, sharing toys and being kind, while discouraging antisocial behaviour such as being angry and hitting. Popular characters are incorporated to personalise the booklets for individuals.
Who symbols can help
Widgit uses symbols to support people who have communication, language or learning disabilities.
Find about who uses symbols
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Over 1 million children and young people have some form of long term speech, language and communication difficulties (1)
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In some parts of the UK, 50% of children are starting school with speech, language and communication needs (1)
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10% of all children have complex or persistent language needs (2)
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50 – 90% of children with persistent difficulties go on to have reading difficulties (1)
Widgit Symbols add visual support to the printed word, opening up the world of information to those otherwise excluded from it.
Find out more about symbols
- Enhance access to learning
- Reduce EAL language barriers
- Faster academic progress
- Improve independence
- Support speech and language development
Create your own materials
InPrintCreate symbol materials to print
Widgit symbols, along with the powerful features and freedom of layout of desktop publishing, help to create materials that have a professional look.
Widgit OnlineCreate symbol materials in your web browser.
Create symbol flashcards, timetables, stories and a lot more, with no installation needed.
Need help?
To discuss our software and services, please call 01926 333680, or email info@widgit.com
Fun and educational apps
Widgit GoWidgit Go is an app for creating activities and grids to support communication, learning and language development. Use it in the home, in the classroom or on the go.
Early Language Screening Tools
Early identification of speech and language difficulties and verbal comprehension - suitable for practitioners, teachers and parents.
Widgit VocabWidgit Vocab is a series of iPad apps designed to develop basic vocabulary. Widgit Vocab can help extend a user's vocabulary range with listening, speaking and reading activities.
Symbols2WriteLearn about sentences and the elements that construct them with this exciting series of apps for children.
App Bundles
Get the best deals with Widgit App Bundles
Need help?
To discuss our software and services, please call 01926 333680, or email info@widgit.com
Educational Symbol Resources
Symbols at Home
20 sets of flashcard files – ideal for parents, carers or childminders to use at home.
For InPrint 4 or PDF, from £10
Household Vocabulary
100 flashcards and 3 spelling activities covering household vocabulary.
For InPrint 4 or PDF, from £5
Behavioural Prompts
This pack of flashcards which support a range of situations in the learning environment.
For InPrint 3 or PDF, from £5
Need something else?
All our materials are developed in partnership with professionals. If you require a communication tool that fits your content and needs, please contact our Design Studio at symbols@widgit.com
Design Studio
Are your documents accessible to all your clients?
We can create accessible symbol information, tailored to your needs.
Our specialist design team will work in partnership with your organisation to produce symbolised materials that fit your individual requirements.
Bespoke service
We will consult with you throughout the design process to ensure that the end result is appropriate for the different needs of your client base.
Best practice
We can work with you to ensure "best practice" in symbol accessibility and suggest the most appropriate language for your information.
Meeting your responsibilities
An inclusive approach to the design of your product or service will help you to ensure compliance with current legislation on accessibility.
Design studio services include:
- Translating information into symbols
- Converting text to Easy Read
- Designing new symbols
- Developing resources and materials
- Providing advice and training
Get in touch
If you want help with accessibility or have an idea for a resource, please contact us.
For design services,
email
symbols@widgit.com
For copyright permission,
email
copyright@widgit.com