Playground core boards are helping support inclusive communication and play at St. Clair Catholic schools.
The boards feature commonly used words with symbols to help students communicate at recess, including taking turns, asking for help, problem solving and interacting with others. They are a form of augmentative and alternative communication, designed for students who are non-speaking or may need help communicating, but can be used by everyone.
Developed by the school board’s speech-language department, the outdoor boards are now in use at 14 schools.
“We had found that it was difficult for students to take out their individual communication books or high-tech communication devices like iPads, especially in snowy weather,” said Heather Molyneaux, a speech-language pathologist with the board. “Core boards feature high-frequency words and corresponding pictures to communicate for a range of purposes. We are excited to see them in use for our first winter.”
