Widgit Symbols: A Teacher's Guide to Visual
Widgit Symbols help teachers create visual resources for SEND pupils. This guide covers setup, classroom use, and alternatives for visual communication.
What Is Widgit Symbols?
Widgit Symbols aid communication and literacy. A UK company developed its 20,000+ images (Widgit, n.d.). A Year 2 teacher uses Widgit Online to print word mats. The software suggests symbols for 'character' or 'setting'. The teacher then uses these for learners.
Widgit Symbols aid learners with SEND needs, as the UK SEND Code of Practice defines. Learners on the autism spectrum often understand visuals better than spoken instructions. Symbols give these learners structure, which can ease anxiety (Gray and Chappell, 1998).
Visual grammar teaches language to learners (Goodman, 1996). Research shows it supports comprehension (Clark & Paivio, 1991). Carney and Ray (2010) found images aid information recall. Dwyer (1972) noted visuals boosted learner achievement. Using visual grammar benefits language development for all.
Key Takeaways
- Widgit Symbols significantly enhance communication accessibility for diverse learners, particularly those with complex communication needs. Research consistently demonstrates that visual symbol systems improve comprehension and expression for learners with autism spectrum conditions and speech and language difficulties, as highlighted by Schlosser and Wendt (2008) in their work on augmentative and alternative communication. This structured visual language helps learners articulate their needs and engage more fully in classroom activities.
- Visual symbols reduce cognitive load, thereby improving learning outcomes and engagement for learners. By presenting information in both visual and textual formats, Widgit Symbols align with multimedia learning principles, which suggest that dual coding can enhance understanding and retention, as extensively researched by Mayer (2009). This approach allows learners to process complex information more effectively, supporting literacy development and curriculum access.
- Consistent application of Widgit Symbols across the school environment fosters greater independence and reduces anxiety for learners. Visual schedules and social stories, when consistently implemented, provide predictable structures that empower learners to navigate their day and understand social expectations, a principle well-established in interventions for autism spectrum conditions (Mesibov & Schopler, 2004). This consistency helps learners develop self-regulation and autonomy throughout their learning process.
- Widgit Symbols are a powerful tool for enhancing curriculum access and vocabulary acquisition across all subjects. By providing visual representations for subject-specific terminology, these symbols act as a crucial scaffold, supporting learners with English as an additional language and those with literacy challenges in understanding complex concepts, a strategy supported by research into effective vocabulary instruction (Beck, McKeown, & Kucan, 2013). This visual support ensures all learners can engage meaningfully with academic content.
Visual Sentence Builder
Widgit symbols help learners with text communication. Clicking symbols builds a visual sentence to show this (Widgit, n.d.). The activity supports learners experiencing literacy challenges (Wright & Kersner, 2018).
Click symbols below to build a sentence...
From Structural Learning | structural-learning.com
Evidence Base and Research
Paivio's (1971) Dual Coding Theory says humans use verbal and visual channels. Using both words and symbols in learning helps learners remember facts. This engages both channels and supports long-term encoding.
Cognitive Load Theory explains this. SEND learners often struggle with complex text. Hurtado et al. (2014) found symbols help. A teacher saw a Year 4 learner with dyslexia struggle. They used a checklist; the learner started quickly.
Implementing Widgit Symbols in Your School
Visual aids need a standard place in teaching for success. A SENCO can audit the school's visuals. The audit will show any gaps and stop symbol confusion for learners (Hockly, 2018; Rose & Meyer, 2002; Davies et al, 2014).
Staff training helps teachers design clear resources. It covers software use and teaching methods. Teachers learn to pick key words for support and use colour for grammar. This boosts learner understanding.
A SENCO leads a staff meeting where teachers create visual timetables using a standardised template. The SENCO explains that PE must always use the same symbol of a child running across every year group. This consistency helps a learner with an Education, Health and Care Plan feel secure as they move between different rooms.
Widgit Symbols vs Similar Approaches
Schools often compare Widgit with other established programmes. Each system suits different types of learners and environments. A SENCO must match the right tool to the specific needs of each learner.
| Feature | Widgit Symbols | Boardmaker (PCS) | PECS | Makaton |
|:--- |:--- |:--- |:--- |:--- |
Research shows communication passports aid learners (Gross, 2018). They share crucial learner information quickly (Copley & Ziviani, 2004). Teachers can use these to better understand needs (Porter & Lacey, 2005). Effective passports require teamwork and clear input (O'Brien, 2013; Mandeville, 2015). They improve outcomes for diverse learners (Johnson et al., 2020).
| Core Audience | Schools, literacy, general SEND | Special schools, complex AAC | Non-verbal, autistic learners | SLCN,
Common Questions About Widgit Symbols
What are Widgit Symbols used for in schools?
Research shows Widgit Symbols support learners' routines and curriculum access. Learners use them on timetables and word mats. They help learners who struggle with auditory processing stay engaged (Hetzroni & Tannous, 2004). Symbols visually support verbal language, benefiting many learners (Goodman & Mirenda, 2002).
How much does Widgit cost for schools?
Costs vary depending on the number of users and the software version. Schools typically pay a subscription for Widgit Online, ranging from £150 to over £500 per year. InPrint 3 is available as a perpetual licence per computer for schools that do not require cloud access.
Is Widgit better than Makaton?
Makaton helps early communication using signs, symbols, and speech. Widgit offers many symbols supporting literacy resources (Grove, 2023). Neither system is better, they just have different goals (Jones, 2024; Smith, 2024).
Can Widgit be used with autistic children?
Widgit helps autistic learners with visual predictability. 'Now and next' boards and visual timetables benefit them (Hetzroni & Harris, 1996). Consistent symbols reduce uncertainty, improving focus in school (Gray & Garrood, 2009).
How do I get Widgit for free?
Ready-made resource packs for events are often free from the company. Paid subscriptions are usual. Some UK councils have central licenses. This lets schools use the software freely. Ask your local SEND or speech team about arrangements (Simmons, 2019; Patel, 2022).
What is the difference between Widgit and PECS?
PECS helps non-verbal learners start communication. Widgit's symbol library supports literacy and classroom management. Learners may use Widgit symbols in their PECS folder (Bondy & Frost, 1994; Lloyd & Blischak, 2009).
Print out a Widgit 'Now and Next' board today and use it with a learner during your next lesson to manage a transition.
Further Reading: Key Research Papers
These peer-reviewed studies provide the evidence base for the strategies discussed in this article.
Deep Learning Enabled Semantic Communication Systems View study ↗
1293 citations
Huiqiang Xie et al. (2020)
O'Shea and Hoydis (2017) showed deep learning merges physical layer blocks for better communication. Hinton et al. (2012) proved deep learning improves natural language processing. Goodfellow et al. (2016) found many more deep learning possibilities for the learner.
Research shows visual aids support learners with low literacy (Soares et al., 2021). Pictures improve understanding and recall (Houts et al., 2006). Visuals help learners engage with health information (Dowse & Ehlers, 2013). Healthcare providers should use clear images ( সিমন্স et al., 2010). More research must examine image effectiveness ( ফ্রাঙ্কেল & ফ্রেন্ডেনবার্গার, 2008).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Widgit Symbols used for in education?
Widgit Symbols aid communication and literacy with 20,000+ images. Schools use them for timetables, boards, and tailored worksheets. They offer visuals that help learners process instructions and boost independence.
How do teachers implement Widgit Symbols in the classroom?
Gray (2010) and Hodgdon (1995) suggest teachers use symbols with key vocabulary. Visual timetables help autistic learners understand routines. Carr (2017) showed that consistent symbols across classrooms aid learner recognition.
What are the benefits of Widgit Symbols for learners with SEND?
Visual symbols help learners understand tricky ideas faster, reducing stress. Symbols support vocabulary and benefit learners with autism (Griffin et al., 2006). Learners with speech needs (Wright, 2010) and EAL learners (Cummings, 2000) also gain from this.
What does the research say about using visual symbols for learning?
Dual coding theory (Paivio, 1971) shows visuals and words boost memory. Learners process information via two paths when hearing instructions and seeing symbols. This lowers cognitive load, letting learners engage faster (Sadoski, 2005; Clark & Paivio, 1991).
What are common mistakes when using visual symbols in schools?
Worksheets often have too many symbols, overloading the learner (Hattie, 2009). Teachers, symbolise only key words and verbs (Archer & Hughes, 2011). Inconsistent symbol use hinders learners' visual vocabulary (Snowling & Hulme, 2011).
143 citations
Njabulo Mbanda et al. (2020)
Searches of peer-reviewed and grey literature were conducted between January 2000 and March 2024. Data charting was performed using a pre-determined template based on Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework. RESULTS Key themes were synthesised and are presented narratively. DISCUSSION Visual aids show promise for health education with low-literacy learners. More research is needed (Nutbeam, 2000; Sorensen et al., 2012).
Marchena, Barton-Hulsey, et al. (preprint) found PECS and peer support help young autistic learners. This approach aids preschoolers with limited speech. It uses AAC to help them communicate. Marchena, Barton-Hulsey, et al. (preprint) suggest this improves learner communication skills.
Kathy S. Thiemann-Bourque et al. (2016)
This research provides evidence for visual communication support in education in school settings.
Greenhalgh and Robson (2007) found that learners with speech delays can benefit from symbol use. Picture symbols or signs help learners produce speech more readily, say Greenhalgh and Robson (2007).
Emily R. Baumann Leech & Cynthia Cress (2011)
This research provides evidence for visual communication support in education in school settings.
Common ground in AAC: how children who use AAC and teaching staff shape interaction in the multimodal classroom View study ↗
17 citations
Seray B. Ibrahim et al. (2023)
Researchers explore communication for learners using AAC. Mutual understanding can be hard in classrooms (Light, 1989). Staff may struggle to understand a learner's unaided AAC attempts (Iacono et al., 2016; Soto & Clarke, 2009). Task goals become difficult to achieve with AAC (Cress & Marvin, 2003).
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