Writing With Symbols
Contact information:
brooslinj@sps.springfield.ma.us
Writing With Symbols is a talking word
processor that has picture symbols for each
word that is typed.
Example
The Purpose:
Writing With Symbols provides:
• the teacher the ability to make visuals.
• it allows students who can not read text to
write using pictures.
• it allows students to use a talking word
processor
Features of WWS
• Symbol processor – each word is accompanied
by a picture.
• Talking word processor- a word processor that
reads the word after you type it.
• Making grids – a printed grid can be created
using symbols and text.
Teacher Created Materials:
Writing with Symbols enables teachers to create
the following materials:
• Picture stories
• Comprehension questions
• Picture strips
• Picture directions
• Picture schedules
• Social Stories
Symbol Processor
• Open the program WWS 2000.
• From the front screen, select symbol
processor.
• You can type a sentence.
Symbol Processor
• You won’t get a picture symbol until you press the
space bar after each word.
• You can have more than one picture for each
word.
• You can choose the picture that you want to
assign to a specific word.
F12 changes the picture symbol.
Helpful Strategies
• Depending on the student, you don’t need a
picture symbol for each word.
• You don’t want to overwhelm the student
with too many pictures.
• The program remembers your F12
preferences. If you displayed the word “the”
without a picture symbol, “the” will
automatically be displayed without a picture.
Renaming a symbol
• Sometimes you can not find a picture for a
particular word. You may be able to find another
picture tat is being used with another word.
• Type the word cat.
• Put your cursor in the word “cat”
• Press F11. The word cat disappears and now you
can type a different word.
• Then hit the right arrow key and continue typing
the rest of your sentence.
Saving New Words
• You can save the changes by going to “images”
on the top of the screen and selecting “save
word list changes.”
• Select the word you want to save and click
add.
Renaming a Phrase
• You can use F11 to use one picture for a series of
words.
• Type dog and put the cursor in the middle of the
word.
• Press F11.
• Now type Here is my dog Lucky.
• The hit the right arrow key to finish writing.
• The program can only save phrases that are 3
words long.
Setting the Toolbars
• Go to “view”
• Click on normal and additional view.
• You can change text by changing the font, size,
color, and style.
• You can change the symbol size and color.
Settings
• You can change the space between symbols by
• going to OPTIONS and clicking “space between
• images”
• You can make the space small, medium, or
large.
Using the Word Processor
• The second button on the main screen is for
the word processor.
It is designed for:
• Students who write in text but need visual
support
• Students who want to use pictures to go along
with their writing
• Students who need extra help in writing
Word Processor
• You can change between symbol and text
modes by pressing the F10 button.
• Using Spell checker
• Using speech – Click on the speech icon on the
toolbar
Creating a Grid
• On main screen, click on Grids for printing
• You have 3 choices:
• Select new grid
• Create grid sizes
• Type one word in each cell
Grids
•
•
•
•
Highlight the center block of cells.
Press CTRL + G to group them.
Group the top row of cells.
Now you can write a title or directions
Examples of Grids
Resources
• www.widgit.com
• www.speakingofspeech.com
• www.mayer-johnson.com