How Widgit symbols can transform learning at home and in the classroom
In today's increasingly diverse learning environment, there is no single approach that works for every child. Many learners benefit from additional visual support to help them understand instructions, develop language, and build confidence.
One of the most effective tools available for this is the use of Widgit Symbols.
Whether you're a parent supporting learning at home, a tutor working with individual pupils, or a teacher adapting resources for a classroom, Widgit Symbols can make learning more accessible, engaging and inclusive.
What are Widgit symbols?
Widgit Symbols are a structured library of simple visual symbols designed to represent words, concepts and ideas. Unlike clipart or decorative images, the symbols follow a consistent visual language that helps learners build understanding and recognise patterns in communication. Today, the Widgit symbol library contains over 20,000 symbols representing more than 55,000 English words and is widely used in schools, homes and healthcare settings to support communication and learning.
Who can benefit?
Although Widgit Symbols are often associated with SEND education, they can support a much wider range of learners, including:
Children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Learners with dyslexia or literacy difficulties
Children with learning disabilities
Pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Early Years learners developing vocabulary
Any child who benefits from visual learning
Visual supports reduce the amount of information children need to process through text alone, making learning less overwhelming and easier to understand.
Supporting reading and literacy
One of the greatest strengths of Widgit Symbols is their ability to support literacy development.
When symbols accompany text, learners are given an additional clue to the meaning of unfamiliar words.
This helps children:
Develop vocabulary
Improve reading comprehension
Build confidence with independent reading
Make connections between spoken and written language
Importantly, the symbols support understanding without replacing the written word. As children's literacy develops, they become increasingly able to rely on text while still benefiting from visual reinforcement.
Making instructions clearer
Many children struggle not because they cannot complete a task, but because they misunderstand the instructions.
For example, compare this instruction:
Write three sentences about your favourite animal.
With a symbol-supported version:
Reducing language barriers allows children to focus on the actual learning rather than decoding the instructions.
Supporting executive function and organisation
Widgit Symbols are particularly useful for helping children organise their day and develop independence.
Visual resources can include:
Daily timetables
Now and Next boards
Checklists
Classroom routines
Homework planners
Reward charts
Having a predictable visual structure reduces anxiety and helps children understand what is expected throughout the day.
Developing communication skills
For children who experience communication difficulties, symbols can provide an additional means of expressing needs, feelings and choices.
Simple communication boards can help learners request:
Help
Toilet
Drink
Break
Finished
More
This reduces frustration and encourages positive communication, particularly for children who are pre-verbal or developing expressive language.
Supporting learning across every subject
Widgit Symbols are not limited to English lessons. They can enchance learning in other subjects also.
Mathematics
Vocabulary cards
Word problems
Number concepts
Science
Equipment labels
Life cycles
Investigation instructions
History and Geography
Topic vocabulary
Timelines
Sequencing activities
PSHE
Emotions
Relationships
Behaviour expectations
By making key vocabulary visually accessible, learners can engage more confidently across the curriculum.
Benefits for home education
For families who educate at home, Widgit Symbols can be especially valuable.
Parents can quickly create:
Visual schedules
Shopping lists
Chore charts
Reading resources
Topic vocabulary mats
Social stories
Choice boards
Using the same visual language across everyday activities helps children transfer learning between educational tasks and real-life situations.
Encouraging independence
One of the biggest advantages of using visual supports is the increased independence they can encourage.
Rather than repeatedly asking an adult what to do next, children can refer to:
Visual instructions
Step-by-step task cards
Routine charts
Learning checklists
This promotes confidence, self-regulation and resilience while reducing reliance on adult prompts.
Final thoughts
Every learner deserves access to education in a way that works for them. Widgit Symbols provide a simple yet powerful way to remove barriers to learning by making language more accessible and reducing cognitive load.
Whether you're supporting a child with additional needs or simply looking for ways to make learning clearer and more engaging, incorporating visual supports can have a significant impact on confidence, communication and independence.
I believe that inclusive teaching strategies benefit every child. By using tools such as Widgit Symbols alongside personalised teaching approaches, I can create a learning environment where all children have the opportunity to thrive.
