5 pages of cartoons with a selection of verb possibilities to use instead of ‘said’. A writing column requires an event and some actual speech in a bubble. My other resources which link to this are (1) Match Speech Bubbles to Pics, (2) Punctuation – Mark the End of Sentences; and (3) Punctuation II – Putting in the Speech Marks.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. These pages show some of the words that underpin talking about quantity, position, comparing, placing, arranging and so on. They all need to be practised with many different objects to ensure generalisation. Remember to stress first in a row is always on the left. This is critical to the understanding of instructions in maths and other areas. (First in the queue, however, depends on which way the queue is going. It's hard talking maths words!) Index in sheet order and alphabetical order.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Match, sort, group, choose, associate, exclude. Four examples of many basic categories. Additional set includes some early history and other topics. An ideas map outlines the development of language skills in this area for children in Preschool and Foundation and four books detail graded activities you can carry out with these cards or other card sets (e.g. topic pictures). Useful for children with or without language delay/disorder. Could also be used for EAL work.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. A social story originally inspired by several upsets suffered by a child with social communication problems. Makes a framework for looking at o'clock times and talking about similar irritating events. Clock faces for half-past times provided too, together with alternative events. Lots of ideas included for using the cards. Could be printed 2pp to A4 but cards will be easier to handle if file printed on A4.

For children with number skills and reasonable reading skills who have difficulty sorting out what the word sum means they have to do. 8 pages of questions about a situation, working towards 2-step problems. Illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols in Numicon layout.

8 pages of activities to practise the vocabulary of the topic as well as basic language/pencil skills. Illustrated with Widgit symbols.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Two files of verbs.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Print all files single-sided on A4 card. COUNTING ON shows a way to present sums using number and dot dice – includes layout and suggestions. ADD 1p, 2p or 5p. Money sums: aim is to predict the answer and get it confirmed immediately. Very immediate way of presenting written sums, illustrated with realistic money symbols. DOLLS HOUSE SHOPPING: add up units. Cut sheet into cards to make lots of different sums. Use tactile aids like an abacus, Unifix or Numicon.

Illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols. Based on Incy Wincy spider. Advance up your 'spout' if you land on evaporation or go down again for precipitation. Includes the cycle of the seasons. Opportunity for fairly simple reading and repeating relevant vocabulary during the game.

4-picture sequences illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols. One picture is omitted from each sequence and the gap is intended to promote discussion and inference. The missing pictures are included for later use. Can be used for writing missing links and/or whole stories.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Simple pictures of early vocabulary in two sizes. Suggestions on the first page for use to make a barrier game to practise comprehension and expression, Lotto and Pairs. Children who use Makaton are likely to know the signs for these words. Print the games pages on A4 card for a reasonable size.

A story to encourage clear pronunciation. The text is as far as possible made up of CVCV words and is illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols. See guide for more information.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Print on A4 for your vocabulary folder: illustrated vocabulary page with WORDS FOR HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT. For word activities: RHYMES FOR HALLOWEEN WORDS – a cut and stick activity matching onset-rime words. Illustrated vocabulary page of VERBS AND ADJECTIVES ABOUT FIREWORKS could be reference for spellings or discussion. All useful for EAL too.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Both activities can be used as barrier games where adult and child can take turns, first to direct and then to do the action. See guide for ideas.

Traditional tale - Little Red Riding Hood. A 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. Additional activities: colouring, read / match caption to picture and sequence.

A Danish Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale (AKA The princess and the pea / The princess on the pea). Retold at three levels: simple plus symbol-support of Widgit/PCS symbols, early reading with illustrations, and a version as a poem to read aloud (or for readers with RA 10-11y). Additional activities: colouring, read / match caption to picture and sequence.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Six pages of activities with the coloured rods using some of the vocabulary and concepts from Yrs 1 and 2 Primary Strategy Numeracy Objectives and other texts. Reasonable reading level required. An attempt to make visible situations where these maths words and phrases are required. Adults will also have an opportunity to note which terms are causing problems.

Illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols. A game focusing on where water we see goes to on its journey on the water cycle. An opportunity for discussion of things seen and unseen. Relevant illustrated vocabulary and suggestions for activities. Sentences to complete.

Symbols (c) Widgit Software 2010. Some silly re-makes of nursery rhymes with symbol support to read, predict, and then cut up and match.

Illustrated with PCS or Widgit symbols. Use of symbol support makes meanings clearer. Activities for teaching/discussion and then working alone. Also helpful for EAL work.