Widgets
Work symbols
The work symbols widget lets you show students how they should work and what noise level is expected right now. Choose from clear icons like 'silent', 'whisper', or 'partners', so everyone knows if it’s time for quiet independent work or group discussion.
Teachers use the work symbols widget during transitions, group activities, independent reading, and tests. It gives students a visual reminder so you spend less time repeating instructions and more time teaching.
Ways teachers use it
- Show 'silent' during independent reading or test time.
- Switch to 'partner talk' for think-pair-share activities.
- Display 'group work' when students collaborate on projects.
- Use 'whisper' during centers or stations to keep the room calm.
- Set 'discussion' mode for whole-class sharing or debates.
How to set it up
- 1Log in to your Edform teacher account.
- 2Open or create a classroom screen for your lesson.
- 3Click 'Add widget' and select 'Work symbols' from the list.
- 4Choose the noise level or working mode you want students to follow (for example, 'silent', 'partner talk', or 'group work').
- 5Adjust the icon size or add a label if you want to clarify the expectation (optional).
Tips
- Change the work symbol as your class transitions between activities.
- Pair the symbol with a timer widget to set clear boundaries for each working mode.
- Use consistent language and gestures when introducing the work symbols to students.
- Let students suggest which symbol fits best for certain tasks to build ownership.
Questions teachers ask
Can I customize the work symbols for my class?
Yes, you can choose from several icons and add your own labels to match your classroom routines.
Do students need devices to see the work symbols?
No, simply project the classroom screen so everyone can see it from their seats.
Can I use the work symbols with other widgets?
Yes, you can combine work symbols with timers, instructions, and other tools on the same screen.
Are the work symbols available in other languages?
Yes, Edform supports 32 languages for all classroom screen widgets.
Templates with this widget
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Morning meeting for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A gentle morning meeting screen for pre-K with routine, date, time, and a question for little learners.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Morning meeting for kindergarten–2nd grade
A welcoming, interactive morning meeting screen for K–2 with date, time, checklist, and student word cloud.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Morning meeting for grades 3–5
A welcoming morning meeting screen for grades 3–5 with routine steps, time, and a daily question.
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Independent work time for pre-K
Visual timer, checklist, and simple directions for pre-K independent work.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Independent work time for K–2
A ready-made classroom screen for K–2 independent work with a checklist, timer, noise level, and clear steps.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Independent work for grades 3–5
A visual classroom screen to guide grades 3–5 through independent work with clear steps, timer, and work symbols.
Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)
Independent work for grades 6–8
Independent work template for middle school: instructions, checklist, timer, and noise level for focused, self-managed work.
Grades 9–12 (ages 14–18)
Independent work for high school (grades 9–12)
A ready-to-use independent work template for high school, with timer, checklist, and clear instructions.