Playground Communication Board
St. Alexander Catholic Elementary School is excited to introduce its new Playground Communication Board! This large, symbol-based board is designed to help all students — including those who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) — share their thoughts, needs, and feelings while they play.
Outdoor play is a valuable time for learning and social interaction. However, for students who use AAC, communicating on the playground can be challenging. The communication board makes it easier for every student to have a voice, encouraging inclusion, connection, and confidence.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for alternative and augmentative communication. It includes tools, like communication boards, that help students express themselves when speaking is difficult. By pointing to symbols, students can share ideas, ask questions, and interact with others.
Why use a communication board
- Gives a voice: Provides a way to communicate when speaking is difficult.
- Reduces frustration: Makes it easier to express needs.
- Supports comprehension: Helps others understand what the student is trying to say.
- Encourages language growth: Helps model new words and expand vocabulary.
How to use the playground communication board
- Model use: Point to symbols as you talk (e.g., point to play as you say “Let’s PLAY”).
- Wait and watch: Give the student time to point to or look at the symbol.
- Respond naturally: Acknowledge their selection as intentional communication and keep the conversation going.
Remember to…
- Use the playground communication board every day.
- Be consistent with how you use it.
- Celebrate all attempts at communication.
- Most of all — have fun!
Thanking Our Community Partners
We extend a special thank you to King Sportswear - North Bay for assisting with the printing and preparation of the board. Permission for use of the picture communication symbols (PCS) was generously granted by TobiiDynavox.
This communication board was made possible through the collaboration of the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board’s Speech-Language Pathology Team and the staff at St. Alexander Catholic Elementary School.