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School Playground Communication Board

School Playground Communication Board

$1,200.00$5,103.00

Empower Communication and Inclusivity on Your School’s Playground

The School Playground Communication Board is designed by speech-language therapists to empower and engage elementary students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Featuring a total of 80 essential words, including letters and numbers, this board promotes communication, social interaction, and language development during recess and outdoor activities. Its visually appealing design and clear layout ensure that every student, regardless of their communication abilities, can express themselves.

Key Features

1. 80 Carefully Selected Words and Symbols

This comprehensive communication board includes 78 thoughtfully chosen words and symbols designed specifically for playground settings. From phrases like “Come,” “Run,” and “Play” to expressions of feelings like “Happy” or “Scared,” this board encourages interaction and builds language skills. The inclusion of the alphabet and numbersfosters early literacy development in a fun, outdoor environment.

2. Inclusive and Accessible for All Students

Inclusivity is at the heart of the School Playground Communication Board. Whether a student is non-verbal, has limited vocabulary, or is learning a new language, this board offers a simple, effective way for them to communicate. Its bilingual options (available in English/Spanish or customized to other languages) cater to the unique linguistic needs of diverse school communities.

3. Clear, Teacher and Student-Friendly Instructions

Teachers can easily integrate this board into recess or outdoor learning activities with the help of clear, easy-to-follow instructions. The instructions are printed directly on the board, guiding both teachers and students on how to effectively use the symbols for communication. This promotes the normalization of symbol use, helping students engage in inclusive play and interaction.

4. Durable and Weather-Resistant Design

Built to withstand the elements, the School Playground Communication Board is made from 3mm aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. It is printed with UV-resistant, fade-proof ink, ensuring vibrant colors even after prolonged outdoor exposure. Designed for long-lasting durability, the board has an expected lifespan of 5+ years outdoors, making it a reliable, low-maintenance solution for schools.

5. Customizable for Your School

Personalization options allow you to customize the board with your school’s name, logo, and colors, creating a cohesive and professional look that blends seamlessly into your playground environment. This ensures that your communication board is not only functional but also reflects your school’s identity and values.

6. Easy Mounting and Installation

The board’s design makes it adaptable to any outdoor space. Whether mounted on walls, fences, or posts, it is accessible to all students, including those with mobility challenges. The pre-drilled holes ensure that installation is quick and easy, allowing you to position the board in the most effective location for student engagement.

Empower Every Child: Communication Boards for School Playgrounds

Unlock the power of inclusive communication in your school's playground. Specifically designed for K-5 students, our School Playground Communication Board offers 78 words, letters, and numbers to facilitate effective communication during outdoor activities.

Exceptional Material Quality

Outdoor rated communication board for schools

Discover unmatched durability with our 3mm aluminum signs. Each sign boasts a solid polyethylene core for added strength, making it perfect for outdoor use. Our UV, fade, and abrasion-resistant ink ensures lasting quality. Optional UV protection layers are available for extra resilience. Make your space inclusive and durable with signs designed to withstand the elements.

Technology Supporting Communication

Extend Communication Experience Anywhere

Scan the QR code to Download a Speaking Replica App of the Board​

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. This thoughtful integration normalizes and enhances communication access within educational settings, breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.

Whether used in conjunction with our physical communication boards or as a standalone digital solution, the free app empowers users to communicate confidently and effectively, aligning with our mission to make communication a universal, accessible experience for every member of the school community. This comprehensive approach not only supports those who are non-speaking or have limited verbal abilities but also educates and equips the entire school population with the tools to engage inclusively.

Specifications and Materials

Thickness:

3mm (roughly 30 sheets of copy paper).

Weight:

  • Medium (29″ x 19″): 2.3 lbs
  • Large (39″ x 25″): 4.06 lbs
  • X-Large (48″ x 31″): 6.2 lbs

Material:

3mm aluminum with two .008" aluminum sheets and a solid polyethylene core. Printed with eco-friendly, weather-resistant UV ink.

Durability:

Built to withstand outdoor conditions with an estimated lifespan of 5+ years when properly cared for.

Frame Options:

Frame not included

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.

Can the communication board be customized for my school?

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.

What is the ordering process for the communication board?

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.

Is there any maintenance required?

Our outdoor playground communication boards are made from durable, weather-resistant materials, including 3mm aluminum with a polyethylene core and printed with eco-friendly, fade-resistant UV ink. To keep your board in excellent condition:

  • Regular Cleaning: Wipe the board with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the UV protective coating.
  • Inspect for Damage: Regularly check the board for any signs of wear, especially around the mounting points. If necessary, tighten any loose hardware to ensure the board stays securely in place.
  • UV Protection: Our boards come with an extra UV protection layer, ensuring they resist fading and maintain their vibrant colors for up to 5+ years, even in outdoor conditions.
  • Long-Term Care: Depending on the local climate, you may want to inspect the board seasonally to ensure it continues to look and function its best.

With proper care, your outdoor communication board will last many years, providing an inclusive and engaging experience for children.

How does the color-coding system work?

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.

Do you offer bilingual communication boards in other languages?

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.

How durable is the board?

Our communication boards are designed for long-lasting durability, made from 3mm aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. They are printed with eco-friendly, UV-resistant ink and coated with an additional UV-protective glossy layer to withstand harsh outdoor elements. Whether used indoors or outdoors, these boards are resistant to fading, abrasion, and weather damage. With proper installation and care, the board can last for 5+ years outdoors.

Enhancing Inclusivity

Your Complete Guide to Communication Boards for Public Spaces

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Material

Aluminum

Size

Medium (29” x 19”), Large (39” x 25”), X-Large (48” x 31”)

Language Options

English Only, Bilingual (Spanish & English), Bilingual (Portuguese & English)

Background Color

White, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Brown, Purple, Navy, Gray, Match my logo color

Edit Vocabulary

No, Change up to 5 words ($180), Change up to 10 words ($300)

Custom Symbol Design

No custom symbol, 1 icon ($180), 2 icons ($340), 3 icons ($540)

Double sided

No, Yes, Same design on both sides ($150), Yes, different design on each side ($300)

Attachment holes

0 holes (Recommended for framed boards), 4 holes (4 corners), 6 holes (4 corders + middle top/bottom)

Smarty Symbols Studio Site License

No, Yes, Include Access to All Site Staff for 1 year (Up to 30 Seats – 20% Off Regular Price – $64/user)