Resources from Smarty Symbols Studio

Using symbol support with adults with acquired communication difficulties

This blog post explores the challenges faced by adults with acquired communication difficulties post life-altering events, and emphasizes the crucial role of enhanced communication methods. We delve into the significance of alternative communication modes and specifically highlight the convenience and effectiveness of picture symbols like Smarty Symbols. Uncover how these meticulously designed images can aid in expressing needs and desires, facilitating seamless communication with family members and hospital staff. Discover the power of customization that Smarty Symbols offer, allowing for personalized communication boards that cater to individual needs, thereby easing the journey through these challenging times.

Smarty Symbols2023-08-04T15:16:37-04:00Tags: AAC Strategies, Acquired Communication Difficulties, acquired communication disorder, Adult Communication, aphasia, communication boards, Family Support, High-Tech Communication Solutions., Hospital Communication, Low-Tech Communication Strategies, Personalized Communication Tools, Picture Symbols, Post-Stroke Communication, Smarty Symbols, Speech-Language Pathology, Verbal Communication|

Ten free downloadable activities for speech therapy

Click here to download the file Did you like this download? You can create your own materials by joining thousands of other special education professionals with a Smarty Symbol membership. You will be able to create [...]

Smarty Symbols2022-09-20T09:08:00-04:00Tags: download, free, speech therapy|

Free Weekly Parent-Teacher Communication System Sheet For Special Education

Free Weekly Parent-Teacher Communication System Sheet For Special Education In the dynamic world of special education, seamless communication between teachers and parents is foundational. With diverse learning needs, it's essential that educators have an efficient way to relay day-to-day student experiences, [...]

Smarty Symbols2023-08-06T21:55:09-04:00Tags: communication, communication system, daily updates, efficient relay, one-page communication system, parent communication, parents, special education, sped, sped classroom, speech and language delays, student experiences, student folder, teacher parent communication, teachers|

Autism and Natural Disaster Preparedness: A Comprehensive Guide

Autism and Natural Disaster Preparedness: A Comprehensive Guide In moments of adversity like natural disasters, the vulnerability of specific groups amplifies. Children and adults with autism often grapple with added challenges during these times. Their reliance on routines and the predictability [...]

Smarty Symbols2023-08-06T22:30:01-04:00Tags: Autism, communication, disaster preparedness, disaster relief, emergency communication, empathy, hurricane, Hurricane Harvey, natural disaster, routine disruption, Safety, tornado, visual support, vocabulary|

How to Create a Custom Board Game

Who hates hearing someone say, “I’m bored”? it’s even worse in a group setting like a classroom, because attitudes can be contagious. Whether it’s adults or kids if one person starts complaining, soon you won’t have enough cheese to go around for all that “whine”. But seriously, our board games are simply divine. Wait…I mean your board games, because really it’s you who needs to create them, but we’ve got the perfect template and enormous amount of great symbols to fill the content. If you haven’t used Smarty Symbols “board game” template then…. YOU’RE MISSING OUT! Just click on the “printing center” button on the top blue bar. It will bring you to a new menu where you will select “from template”; find the “board game” template and press “apply”. You’re all set to create a masterpiece. We’ve got some great ideas to get you started:

Barbara2023-08-06T22:46:23-04:00Tags: AAc, accessibility, bingo, board game, Board games, creativity, critical thinking, education, Engagement, interactive, learning, Smarty Symbols, social skills, student participation, subject-specific games, template|

The Magic of Bingo in Learning: Ideas In the Classroom & at Home – Free Download

I know how you’re feeling: The kids they need a day off (or is it you?), or they just need to have some fun with what they’re working on, but they still need to be learning something. We have just what you need: and Bingo is its Name-O Smarty Symbols has a built in Bingo Template in the “Printing Center” It’s really easy to use, and an awesome tool for any parent, teacher, SLP, or someone who just needs an activity for an event. Just click on the “printing center” button on the top blue bar. It will bring you to a new menu where you will select “from template”; find the “bingo” template and press “apply”. Now its just up to your imagination… but if your imagination is struggling we’ve decided to give you a few ideas:

Barbara2023-08-07T09:36:56-04:00Tags: bingo, Bingo Template, classroom activities, differentiated instruction, educational games, free Bingo download, ideas, interactive learning, language teaching, Smarty Symbols, Speech Therapy Tools, tip, Visual learning, vocabulary enhancement|

Vocabulary and Visual Support for Earth Day: Free Download

We wouldn’t forget “Earth Day” in our vast category of “holidays”. April 22 is a special day for us to reassess what we can do to help our planet. Smarty Symbols is filled with excellent vocabulary whether you are wanting to discuss the life of our planet (using our “plants”, “animals”, “birds”, “mammals” and “marine life”) or discuss the more abstract elements (using our “science”, “weather”, and “nature” categories); Smarty Symbols has the symbols you need for the simplest to the most complex words.

Barbara2023-08-06T16:53:38-04:00Tags: earth day, nature, visual support, vocabulary|

Free downloads of classroom signs

We all love free classroom materials. That's why we took the time today to have some fun and spend some time on keynote creating some awesome classroom signs for you. You can download any or all of these signs in a variety of formats or even as images. If you are feeling inspired like we were today, you can even use some of the files we have provided as a basis in which you create modifications that would fit your needs better. For example, you can use the "computer lab" sign and replace it with " We are in recess" and replace the picture with our recess image.The power point or keynote file give you the freedom to modify and create a whole new sign.

Barbara2023-08-07T13:24:25-04:00Tags: back to school, classroom signs, free, Smarty Symbols|

Optimizing Your Search: A Guide to Locating Images on Smarty Symbols Studio

Optimizing Your Search: A Guide to Locating Images on Smarty Symbols Studio Navigating a vast library like Smarty Symbols Studio can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach, you can swiftly and accurately find the images you need. This [...]

Smarty Support2023-08-07T10:44:07-04:00Tags: category specifics, image discovery, image library, image search guide, platform navigation, search, search optimization, search techniques, Smarty Symbols, Smarty Symbols Studio, target words|

Using symbol support with adults with acquired communication difficulties

Ten free downloadable activities for speech therapy

Free Weekly Parent-Teacher Communication System Sheet For Special Education

The Magic of Bingo in Learning: Ideas In the Classroom & at Home – Free Download

Vocabulary and Visual Support for Earth Day: Free Download

Free downloads of classroom signs

Optimizing Your Search: A Guide to Locating Images on Smarty Symbols Studio

Inclusive Education: Unlocking Potential for Every Learner

Inclusive Education: Unlocking Potential for Every Learner