Embedded Files
Symbols to Support Learning & Teaching
Symbols to Support Learning & Teaching
Symbols have been used to share ideas and meanings from ancient times to today. Early humans drew pictures on cave walls to tell their stories, the Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphs around 3000 BC, and the Vikings wrote in runes during the 8th century.
Today, we see symbols everywhere: road signs, social media, instruction manuals etc. We live in a society where communication through written and spoken language is highly valued, which can pose challenges for some students.
Common symbols can help to support communication, independence and participation, literacy and learning, creativity and self-expression. It is essential that information & classroom instructions are presented in a way that all our students can understand and use regardless of their age or ability.
Rationale
Rationale
Use of common symbols for learning and teaching across the school has been identified as a strategy to support all students, irrespective of ability. This will help to:
Structure classroom activities
Create a cohesive and familiar environment for students,
Reinforce routines and expectations.
Use of symbols for activities such as Thinking Time, Think Pair Share, Group Work, Writing Activity, Important Information, and Research Activity can help students quickly identify and understand the purpose of each task, making the learning process more efficient and accessible.
Aligning with our School Improvement Plan 👇 (Please click here)
Aligning with our School Improvement Plan 👇 (Please click here)
SIP Target #2 (2024-2025)
To achieve an 18 to 20% increase in the number of teachers who feel confident (rating of 4) or very confident (rating of 5) with differentiation strategies between Sept 2024 and May 2025
Required Actions (All Staff & led by TL 21 Team)
Implementation of differentiation strategies to promote inclusive learning. – linked with T1 above.
Suggested strategies include:
The Frayer Model
Symbols to support learning & teaching
Use of assistive technology – ‘Helperbird’.
Relevant Statement of Practice
"Teachers’ preparation is informed by their knowledge of the curriculum and knowledge of pedagogy. It includes preparation for the differentiation of learning intentions and learning activities, including personalised learning opportunities, and is informed by meaningful analysis of and use of data as well as teachers’ professional judgement and decision making".
Domain 3: Teachers’ Individual Practice, Looking at Our School 2022, page 30
“Students achieve the intended learning of the lesson or sequence of lessons, which has been appropriately differentiated where necessary”
Learning & Teaching: Domain 1: Learner Outcomes. Looking at Our School 2022, page 27
Key Skills
Key Skills
Communicating
Managing myself
Managing information and thinking
Working with others
Using Symbols in the Classroom
Using Symbols in the Classroom
Benefits of using Symbols in Learning & Teaching.
Benefits of using Symbols in Learning & Teaching.
Supports Diverse Learners: Benefits students with learning difficulties by providing clear, consistent, and accessible communication.
Enhanced Understanding: Provides clear, visual cues that aid in comprehension and retention of instructions.
Consistency: Reinforces routines and expectations across different activities and classrooms.
Improves Focus: Helps students stay organised and understand the sequence of tasks, reducing distractions. Symbols can give a quick visual prompt without intruding on the lesson flow.
Increased Independence: Enables students to follow instructions and routines without constant verbal reminders, fostering self-reliance.
Reduces Overwhelm: Simplifies complex instructions, making it easier for students to process information and can reduce cognitive load.
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