We have produced a variety of History books about the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and World War 2. There are a number of topics covered in each set and each topic book has been made at five levels:

.  books with a picture and simple text information,

.  a text level with support for key words and new vocabulary

.  same text but with more words symbolised

.  simplified text with symbols

.  books with a single illustrative symbol per page

The information on the pages is consistent throughout the 5 levels allowing differentiation of the content within the teaching group. The teacher can match the level of support required to individuals or groups.

The differentiated books can also be used for self-study. Reference books often have too much text, high language levels and layouts that are too busy. These students may be able to handle ideas and information if they have to help understand the words and their meanings.

In the majority of cases of symbol use in mainstream schools not all the words to be read are symbolised. Key or new vocabulary is supported with symbols, providing prompts or reminders.

The differentiated books have a list of key vocabulary at the back for reference.

Symbols provide a visual representation of an idea or word. Pupils who find difficulty in reading can be helped to visualise the meanings of words by seeing a symbol

By illustrating words, symbols can help a student to learn and recall information. This is particularly true for those students who operate more visually and whose visual memory may help to recall facts. It is also true that symbols can help to remind students of a concept. The symbol itself cannot teach the concept, but once a concept has been understood, symbols can reinforce that understanding and help make the comprehension more permanent.