Supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) Learners with Widgit Symbols

GEMS Winchester School – Dubai

Three educational worksheets: The first worksheet includes symbols related to a sea adventure theme. The second worksheet focuses on maths, illustrating Equal Groups with symbols for counting, groups, unequal, and pattern. The third worksheet encourages using descriptive language, with spaces for students to write about animals and their characteristics.
Two educational sheets featuring Widgit symbols. The first sheet is titled 'LO: To retrieve and record information from a text,'' showing step-by-step guidance using symbols. The second sheet is titled 'LO: To use imperative verbs,'' featuring symbols that describe actions like add, mix, and use. Both sheets are designed to help learners understand key concepts through symbol-supported text.

In September 2022, GEMS Winchester School in Dubai introduced Widgit Online to support its diverse student body, particularly for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. Widgit was selected to enhance comprehension and provide tailored learning resources, helping students engage more effectively in their learning journey. Below, Assistant Head of Primary Charlotte Goode shares how Widgit Online has transformed teaching and learning at GEMS Winchester School...

How have you integrated Widgit Online into your school's day-to-day activities?

In September 2022, we introduced Widgit at GEMS Winchester School as part of our ongoing efforts to support our diverse student community. The decision was based on research around dual coding, which has proven highly effective in aiding second-language learners, who comprise most of our student body.

Initially, Widgit Symbols were used to support key vocabulary and word mats, helping students better understand and retain new concepts. I trained staff on how to use Widgit Online and demonstrated how it could include dual-language translations, such as English and Arabic, to support classes with a high number of Arabic speakers.

Now, Widgit is widely used across the primary school by class teachers and the special educational needs department. It has become an integral part of our weekly flipcharts, especially for key vocabulary and providing instructions in Years 1 to 3. Additionally, we’ve created core symbols for display on flipcharts, ensuring consistency across all subjects.

Since using Widgit Online, have you noticed any improvements in student engagement?

Yes, we have seen an increase in student participation in lessons, which I attribute to the support provided by Widgit. Even if students may not initially understand the meaning of the words being shown, the accompanying symbols help them grasp the concepts more effectively.

Having the instructions in Years 1 to 3 written alongside Widgit Symbols allows children to gain greater independence. They can decode what a task is asking them to do without having to ask the teacher immediately. This fosters a more confident learning environment and encourages students to engage actively in their lessons.

Are you using Widgit Online to support EAL students in your school?

We are using Widgit Online to support EAL students at our school. Since its introduction, Widgit has become an integral part of our teaching approach, particularly for our diverse student community, where many learners are acquiring English as a second language.

Using symbolised resources, such as key vocabulary and word mats, has proven invaluable. Even if students do not initially understand the words, the accompanying symbols facilitate their comprehension.

Overall, Widgit has fostered a more inclusive and engaging learning environment, helping our EAL students build both language skills and independence in their learning.

How are you using Widgit Symbols across your school?

We have implemented Widgit Symbols across various areas of the school to support learning and engagement. Some examples include:

  • Interactive flipcharts: We are creating engaging, interactive flipcharts that include symbols to support lessons across various subjects, making learning more accessible.
  • Personalised learning resources: We use Widgit Online to develop tailored learning materials for individual students based on their specific needs and language proficiency, allowing for differentiated instruction.
  • Visual timetables: Widgit has allowed us to create visual timetables for classrooms, helping students understand their daily schedules and transitions between activities.
  • Common symbols across subjects: We’ve created a common set of symbols used within flipcharts across Primary to ensure consistency and support dual coding for our EAL learners.

What do you feel are the most valuable features of Widgit Online?

For me, the top three things I value about Widgit Online are:

  • User-friendly interface: The platform's design makes it accessible for teachers with varying levels of technical expertise. Creating resources is simple and can be done in minutes.
  • Dual-language support: Including translations and creating bilingual resources is particularly beneficial for supporting EAL students, especially in the UAE where many students speak both Arabic and English.
  • Visual learning aids:The use of instant visuals helps enhance understanding, especially for young learners, EAL learners, and those with special educational needs. They make abstract concepts more concrete and give those students the confidence to try tasks.


By using Widgit Online, GEMS Winchester School has created a more inclusive and fulfilling learning environment for students of all abilities. By supporting EAL learners, encouraging independence, and providing customised resources for diverse learning needs, Widgit Online has become an indispensable tool for teachers and students, empowering them to achieve a better learning experience.

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