Supporting Multilingual Learners with Widgit Online at South View School

As Head of Whole School EAL, I’m always looking for tools that promote inclusion and reduce language barriers, without increasing teacher workload. Widgit Online stood out for its accessibility and the visual support it provides through symbolised resources. The dual-language function alone has been transformative. With a multilingual demographic, reflective of many international schools in the UAE, we needed a way to effectively scaffold learning for our ELL and EAL students across all phases. Widgit has allowed us to do that brilliantly.

We use Widgit Online to create personalised visual resources such as classroom routines, word banks, sentence starters and bilingual glossaries. It’s especially effective for newcomers at the early stages of English acquisition, helping them access everyday language and curriculum content more confidently.

Widgit Symbols have also been integrated into transition packs and visual timetables, supporting academic progress and emotional wellbeing. We use the wide range of templates in Widgit Online to create word mats, process cycles, and other classroom aids.

We’ve seen a clear impact on engagement and inclusion; students are now more confident, independent, and active in lessons. So much so that those who might have struggled with English-heavy content now understand classroom instructions and participate more fully. The visual cues reduce their reliance on adults and build autonomy. Widgit Online has also boosted teacher confidence. Staff feel equipped to support new-to-English and/or EAL students right from the start, creating inclusive classrooms where all learners can thrive.

For those new to Widgit Online, I suggest using it to create visual instructions or key vocabulary cards for routines and core subjects. In multilingual settings, using the bilingual vocabulary tools can support translanguaging and reinforce home languages. I’d also recommend downloading Widgit’s free EAL Guide. It is a fantastic resource packed with practical strategies and is great for staff training and reference.

Widgit Online is now embedded in our everyday teaching. It is easy to use, saves time, and acts as a brilliant tool for building inclusive, accessible classrooms where all learners feel empowered to achieve their full potential.