multimodal texts are composed of multiple symbol systems, not just printed words and pictures as is the case in 'traditional' texts. It is therefore necessary for children to be able to 'crack the code' and comprehend each symbol system and to think about how the systems work together to create meaning
To make meaning of multimadal texts, children must use a variety of cues from different symbol systems simultaneously
It appears that children are to some extent developing these proficiencies at home, informally, but research clearly needs to be carried out so that pedagogies and practices can be developed for school and childcare centres