Welcome to our latest blog post at Smarty Symbols, where we celebrate the wonderful journey of enhancing communication and learning through visual support. At Fairview Elementary School, the playground is transformed into a vibrant hub of interaction and learning, thanks to our innovative Communication Boards. This enhancement is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their communication abilities, feels seen, valued, and included.
At Fairview Elementary School, the playground has always been more than a place for recess—it’s a space where learning continues and friendships flourish. Recognizing the importance of inclusive play, Fairview Elementary has taken a significant step forward by installing Smarty Symbols Communication Boards in their playground areas. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of their communication abilities, can express themselves and engage fully with their peers.
Positioned prominently in front of the playground’s slide, the newly installed communication boards are hard to miss. These boards are adorned with colorful, easy-to-understand symbols from Smarty Symbols’ extensive image library, which is renowned for its diverse and inclusive visual communication tools. The symbols cover a wide range of everyday concepts and responses, facilitating smoother interactions among all children.
The communication boards serve a dual purpose. First, they empower non-verbal students or those with language delays by providing them with tools to express their needs, thoughts, and feelings. This can significantly reduce frustration and isolation, making the playground a welcoming space for every student. Second, the boards educate and sensitize other children about different ways of communicating, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
The communication boards at Fairview Elementary are designed with accessibility in mind. Located at a height accessible to young children, they feature bright, engaging colors that attract the students’ attention. The layout of the board is intuitive, with sections clearly labeled to facilitate quick communication. This design allows children to express a variety of statements and questions, from basic needs like “I need help” or “I’m thirsty” to more interactive phrases such as “Let’s play” or “Your turn!”
The introduction of communication boards has already begun to show positive changes in how students interact during playtime. Teachers and playground supervisors report that students are enthusiastic about using the boards, and there are noticeable improvements in inclusivity and peer interactions. The boards not only assist those who rely on AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) but also serve as educational tools for the entire student body, promoting a more inclusive school culture.
Fairview Elementary’s decision to install Smarty Symbols Communication Boards is a reflection of their ongoing commitment to inclusive education. By integrating these tools into common areas like the playground, the school is taking concrete steps to ensure that inclusivity is not confined to the classroom but is woven into every aspect of school life.
This initiative aligns with the broader educational goals of enhancing communication, fostering empathy among students, and building a community where every child feels valued and understood. As more schools recognize the benefits of such inclusive practices, it is hoped that this approach will become a standard in educational environments nationwide, ensuring that all children have the tools they need to succeed and thrive both academically and socially.
As Fairview Elementary continues to embrace and expand its inclusive practices, the impact of these communication boards will likely serve as a model for other institutions aiming to enhance their educational environments. The success of this initiative at Fairview is a beacon of what is possible when schools commit to breaking down communication barriers and promoting an atmosphere where every child can find their voice.
Smarty Symbols Studio is a tress-free resource creation platform that saves time and frustration Fall in love with creating new custom resources for kids that are engaging and effective.