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 58 words, letters, and numbers to facilitate effective communication during outdoor activities.
These boards are designed specifically for outdoor areas of schools. We have included vocabulary words that are more pertinent to this location.
- Aluminum: Made from 3mm aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core, our aluminum signs are weather-resistant and perfect for water activity environments. They are printed with eco-friendly, weather, fade, and abrasion-resistant UV ink, and an optional extra UV protection glossy layer can be added for further protection.
Estimated Lifespan:5+ years with proper placement and care
What text is available on those boards?
- Teachers: Let’s help normalize the use of this communication board. Children can learn new vocabulary, combine tapping on images to make phrases, and use it to interact with you and their peers. If you are concerned about your student’s speech and language, chat with the speech-language pathologist.Maestros: Ayudemos a normalizar el uso de este tablero de comunicación. Los niños pueden aprender vocabulario nuevo, combinar el toque en las imágenes para formar frases y usarlo para interactuar con usted y sus compañeros.
- Kids: This is a board that can be used to communicate with your friends. Point to the picture to show what you mean. When a friend points to it, you can read it outloud and respond using your speech or by pointing to another picture.
Niños: este es un tablero que se puede usar para comunicarse con tus amigos. Señale la imagen para mostrar lo que quiere decir. Cuando un amigo lo señala, puedes leerlo en voz alta y responder usando tu voz o señalando otra imagen.
Be creative! Have fun! How many different ways of using symbols to communicate can you think of? Invite new friends to play or join in a play with a new friend. All forms of communication matter!
¡Ser creativo! ¡Diviértete! ¿Cuántas maneras diferentes de usar símbolos para comunicarse se te ocurren? Invita a nuevos amigos a jugar o únete a un juego con un nuevo amigo. ¡Todas las formas de comunicación importan!
Promote inclusivity and communication skills on the playground with the School Playground Communication Board from Smarty Symbols. This customizable, weather-resistant board includes 58 essential vocabulary words and letters/numbers to support communication and social interaction for elementary students in grades K-5. Available in English or bilingual (English/Spanish), this communication tool is ideal for promoting an inclusive and supportive school environment. Whether you’re a teacher, speech therapist, or administrator, the School Playground Communication Board is a valuable resource for supporting essential communication skills in young students.
Extend the 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.

The app serves as a digital replica of the board, allowing children to press icons and communicate directly from their devices. Just scan the QR code to be prompted to download the free app.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.