The role of symbols in the mainstream to access literacy

Although theories in the past claimed that in order to be literate someone has to acquire specific prerequisite skills, more recent theories suggest that for some aspects of language, symbols can help people to access literacy. In this paper, we speculate that symbols can help children in schools to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of assistive technologies Vol. 1; no. 1; pp. 15 - 21
Main Authors:	Pampoulou, Eliada, Detheridge, Cate
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01-10-2007
Subjects:	Assistive technologies Meaning from text Print awareness Symbols Text comprehension Meaning from text Text comprehension Assistive technologies Print awareness Symbols
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Although theories in the past claimed that in order to be literate someone has to acquire specific prerequisite skills, more recent theories suggest that for some aspects of language, symbols can help people to access literacy. In this paper, we speculate that symbols can help children in schools to cope with their difficulties with print. Widgit Literacy Symbols have been developed over the last 20 years as a means of enhancing access to written communication and curriculum. Through the Symbol Inclusion Project (SIP), Widgit Software has been working closely with teachers in Warwickshire, creating resources for students in schools. Anecdotal evidence from the SIP project suggests that symbols can help children to anticipate their difficulties with literacy as well as to increase their motivation and self-esteem and improve their behaviour.
Bibliography:	ark:/67375/4W2-8PP81NZT-8 original-pdf:5510010104.pdf filenameID:5510010104 istex:F994B6195A7016F72C355DDEEE9B936B28A9FBC5 href:17549450200700004.pdf
ISSN:	1754-9450
DOI:	10.1108/17549450200700004