Preschool Playground
A-Frame Communication Board
Inclusion Without Boundaries
Communication Doesn’t Just Happen At a Desk
Inclusive play isn't possible if communication tools are stuck on a wall far from the action. The A-Frame Portable Board ensures that whether a child is at the swings, the sandbox, or the blacktop, their voice goes with them.
Engineered for Active Play
Dual-Sided Accessibility
The A-Frame features identical graphics on both sides, ensuring communication is visible from any direction in open play spaces.
Ballast Stability Base
The heavy-duty frame can be filled with up to 10 lbs of water or sand to provide a stable anchor on blacktops and flat surfaces.
UV-Protected Graphics
Our 24” x 36” 3MM plastic inserts are built to withstand rain and direct sunlight without fading or warping.
Built by Experts
More Than Just Pictures
Our boards are designed by Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure that every symbol serves a functional purpose in a child's development.
Fitzgerald Key Coding
Using universal AAC color-coding to help children intuitively organize speech and build complete sentences.Curated Core Vocabulary
58 targeted symbols specifically chosen for playground interaction, social play, and emotional expression.Literacy Support
A complete QWERTY keyboard and numeric set allows students to practice spelling and early literacy during play.
Extend the Experience Anywhere
Speech Generating App for Inclusive Communication
Every communication board from Smarty Symbols comes paired with a complimentary speech-generating app, ensuring that students and staff across all communication abilities have equal access to expressive tools.
Whether used in conjunction with our physical boards or as a standalone digital solution, the free app empowers users to communicate confidently and effectively. This approach equips the entire school population with the tools to engage inclusively.
Purchase boards directly using a school card, or submit an official district Purchase Order.
Order Online (Credit Card) Submit a Purchase Order Download Smarty Symbols W-9Simple Procurement
How to Order for Your District
Built for Preschool Durability
Available in sleek black or clean white finishes to match your school's aesthetic.
Large 24” x 36” double-sided graphics ensure visibility for multiple students at once.
20 lbs empty. Fill the base with 10 lbs of sand or water for maximum stability in high winds.
Heavy-duty, weather-resistant plastic frame with removable, impact-resistant 3MM plastic inserts.
Molded carry handle and foldable design; collapses to just 3” thick for easy storage.
UV-protected inks prevent fading in direct sun, while rain-proof surfaces wipe clean instantly.
Find the Best Design for Your Campus
Both designs feature high-contrast availability and a full QWERTY keyboard for literacy development.
Preschool Design
Optimized for emergent communicators and early childhood centers.
- Linguistic Foundation: 58 core symbols focused on early social needs.
- High Clarity: Spacious symbol layout to assist developing visual motor skills.
- Standard Features: Includes full QWERTY keyboard and numeric pad.
School Design
Engineered for social fluency and peer interaction in K-12 settings.
- Extended Vocabulary: 80+ symbols for complex play and conflict resolution.
- Emotional Depth: Advanced regulation icons to support student self-advocacy.
- Standard Features: Includes full QWERTY keyboard and numeric pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to your most common questions about our communication boards and services, helping you create a more inclusive and supportive environment from the start.
Yes! The board can be personalized with your school’s name and logo to create a professional and welcoming environment for students. We can also match the color of the board to your district or organization’s logo color for a cohesive look. Once the order is placed, our team will reach out to request a high-resolution version of your logo. You can also customize the vocabulary or symbols used on the board to better fit the specific needs of your students.
You can order the board directly from our website or contact our sales team for a custom quote. After you provide your school’s details, we’ll send you a design proof for approval before production begins. Once the design is finalized, the board will be produced and shipped to you.
The A-frame design is highly portable. It features a foldable frame that collapses to just 3 inches thick for easy storage. The molded handle allows for comfortable carrying, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move around your playground or indoor spaces. You can also add up to 10 lbs of sand or water for extra stability during outdoor use.
The communication board uses the Fitzgerald Key color-coding system, a widely recognized method in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This system categorizes symbols by color to represent different parts of speech, making it easier for students to find and use the correct words. For example, verbs might be in green, nouns in orange, and descriptors in purple. This intuitive system simplifies communication, especially for students with special education needs, by helping them quickly locate the symbols they need to express their thoughts and feelings.
Yes, we offer bilingual boards! We currently have boards available in English/Spanish and English/Portuguese. However, our team is able to design bilingual boards in any language combination at no additional cost. Simply let us know your preferred languages when placing your order, and we will customize the board to meet your needs.
Yes, the A-frame communication board is designed for outdoor use. Made from durable, heavy-duty plastic, the frame and the graphics are weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain, wind, and sunlight. You can fill the base with sand or water for additional stability in windy conditions.
The frame is designed to be highly stable. You can add up to 10 lbs of water or sand into the frame to keep it securely in place during windy conditions, ensuring that the board stays functional and visible in any weather.
Yes, the A-frame board features the same design on both sides, ensuring clear and consistent communication visibility from either direction, making it accessible and functional no matter where it’s placed on the playground.
Personalized Communication Boards.
At Smarty Symbols, we understand that each community is unique, and one size does not fit all. We take a personalized approach to design solutions that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each location.
"Empowering inclusive and connected communities, our personalized solutions break barriers and ensure individuals of all abilities can thrive in public spaces designed with their unique needs in mind."
