Symbolisation Project Parents Session Jennifer Norval Trainee Educational

Symbolisation Project Parents’ Session Jennifer Norval (Trainee Educational Psychologist) Lyndsay Dickson (Speech and Language Therapist) January 2017

Aims of the Session This session will cover information about: Ø What symbols are Ø How they can help children Ø How best to use symbols at home

Symbols we use every day

Do you recognise these images?

Some Examples

Some Examples

Why do symbols work well? § Visual information is vital to how we communicate Visual tools like symbols enhance how we § Receive information § Process information They can also help with how we get across a message

Why do symbols work well? Symbols can be used to help with extending both: § Understanding of language (receptive language) § Putting thoughts and concepts into words and sentences (expressive language)

Why do symbols work well? Symbols can Ø Provide a concrete source of information regardless of noise levels etc. Ø Help to break down instructions into manageable chunks of information Ø Provide a clear message about the daily routine – what there is to look forward to and how many tasks there are left?

Some Perceived Barriers Ø It might make children “lazy” Ø Children might not learn to read – they will rely on the pictures instead Ø Symbols might become a distraction

How Can Symbols Help at Home? Talking Words disappear Relies on children remembering

How Can Symbols Help at Home?

How Can Symbols Help at Home? Talking + Symbols Pictures stay: these are concrete Children take in information at their own pace

How Can Symbols Help at Home? Symbols Can: �Be relevant and meaningful to children �Attract and hold their attention �Help to cope and prepare for what’s happening next �Increase independence

What might a child’s experience of symbols be like? � How do you feel when someone gives you a list of directions? � What might help? § § a map? a map as well as someone giving you directions?

What might a child’s experience of symbols be like? They might have a better understanding of information and instructions They will have a better chance of remembering information This will help them to feel § less anxious § motivated to learn

Teaching what Symbols Mean Ø Matching objects to symbols Ø Consistency

Points to Consider Ø Can Ø Are symbols be seen? they in a distraction free area? Ø Organisation of symbols not in use

Using Visuals at Home You may need to start simple and build it up gradually. Put the symbol at an easily accessible place at child’s eye level. Talk through the symbols first before you use them. When the activity is completed your child may enjoy posting the symbol in a finished box.

Questions?