Education Today Education Today Magazine
Visual communication experts Widgit Software have partnered with literacy specialists Crick Software to make storytelling and writing more accessible for more than two million primary school pupils in the UK.
Crick Software’s literacy tool Clicker is used by over 7,000 primary and special schools to help children who struggle with writing to navigate the writing process. From planning their sentences, choosing the right vocabulary, to following the correct grammar rules, Clicker helps children learn to write with confidence and independence.
The new collaboration with Widgit Software means that when pupils use Clicker they will be able to access over 10,000 visual Widgit Symbols as they write, and also in the supportive writing grids, spell checker and word prediction tool. These will be as standard in both Clicker (Windows or Mac) and Clicker Writer (iPad or Chromebook) at no additional charge for subscribers.
The Widgit Symbols library in Clicker will help children to learn new vocabulary easily. The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be explained instantly by its Widgit symbol, allowing children to be more expressive in their writing and removing any anxiety about completing a written task.
Cate Rae, CEO, Widgit Software said: “We are passionate about breaking down communication barriers and ensuring that every learner can access the curriculum with confidence. Partnering with Crick Software to bring our symbols into Clicker’s writing activities is a natural step forward.
“We are two like-minded family-owned companies who share the same core values and beliefs. Together we’re helping schools create truly inclusive classrooms where all children can thrive.”
Lina Howarth, CEO, Crick Software says: “We’re pleased to be collaborating with Widgit to include their symbol library as standard in Clicker and at no extra cost to schools. This integration makes Clicker even more inclusive and provides an additional layer of support for learners.
“Many schools already use Widgit Symbols as part of their teaching, so having the symbols built into Clicker helps reinforce existing pedagogy and ensures that assistive technology is seamlessly embedded into everyday classroom practice.’
In addition to supporting writing for individuals with special educational needs, from dyslexia to autism, Clicker helps a wide range of pupils to write. The multi-sensory approach of using words, photos, symbols and sounds means learners are interested and engaged. The read aloud and speech to text functions strengthen storytelling skills for children who have speech and language challenges or who are learning English as an additional language, for example, especially alongside the visual symbols.
