Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Some ideas for use, plus 8 ‘books’. Print the books double-sided on A4 and fold. Target language and concept development and encourage word recognition with repetitive text. Designed for children with delays in language and general development.

Bookmarks with reminders about the sort of information for which there might be clues in the text: what happened, when, who is it about, how do they feel, where did it happen, why and how.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. A large file for clear photos in two parts. (The alternative single Smaller MATCH file will take less time to download but the photos are not quite as sharp.) Print 2-up single-sided on A4 card. One page of suggestions for working on matching with severely delayed children. One page on how to move on and/or work with other more able children, possibly in a mixed ability group. 11 common objects are shown as photos and symbols in two sizes.

6 pictures each for sleeping, eating, sitting and walking. Print on A4 single-sided card, cut and use for sorting, labelling, taking turns to make sentences for the set for one verb etc. Or make word cards or printed sentences for the pictures (depending on level) and use them for a reading-for-meaning exercise where the child has to read and place the card on the correct picture. Several sleeping pictures for example are useful for forcing attention to more than just one word in the sentence!

A mind-map (designed using Widgit's Communicate Ideas) and a table showing some of the grammatical names of types of words and their functions.

Rhyming cards illustrated with Widgit or PCS symbols to match to fictional cartoon characters with 'rime' names. Intended for children with delayed auditory memory skills to use onset-rime approach in a fun way. Links to phonic skills using ELC Jolly Phonics magnetic letters.

Intended for repetitive practice of newly acquired speech-sounds, these two games could also be used to draw attention to the different ways we spell these sounds. (The games will not teach a child how to make the sounds - that can be quite difficult!)

Grouped words with this sound spelt in the same way in an attempt to stimulate a mental picture to help memory. Looking at this can be followed by doing a listen and sort game. Examples illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols.

Sets of pictures with text captions which include many of the 'little words' that affect meaning. Captions can be read by child or adult as appropriate. The child must choose the correct picture to label. The choice he makes will help the adult to check comprehension. Illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols.

Traditional tale - The Twelve Brothers. A Brothers Grimm German fairy tale retold at three levels: simple plus symbol-support of Widgit/PCS symbols, early reading with illustrations, longer version to read aloud with many opportunities for spoken language tasks RA 11y approx. Additional activities: colouring, read / match caption to picture and sequence, tessellations with suggestions.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Print 2-up on A4 paper. Cut to A5 pages. The task is to look at the whole word and not just part of it. At the lower level the pages have words first with symbols and then without. The words only change by different word-endings. These are for good young readers or older children of lower ability who are focusing solely on the beginnings of words. Includes suggestions.