Benefits of Using Picture Communication Symbols in Visual Aids for Children
When it comes to providing effective visual aids for children, the use of evidence-based picture communication symbols is paramount. One of the most widely recognised and trusted symbol sets is the Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols (PCS). Developed by Mayer-Johnson, Boardmaker PCS offers a rich array of benefits, empowering children to communicate more effectively and fostering their overall development.
1. Enhanced Communication:
Boardmaker PCS employs a systematic and universally understood set of symbols that can help children express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively. These symbols provide an alternative or augmentative communication system, making it easier for children with speech or language challenges to communicate with others, including peers, teachers, and family members. This improved communication can lead to reduced frustration and enhanced social interactions.
2. Customisation and Flexibility:
One of the significant advantages of Boardmaker PCS is its extensive library of symbols, covering a wide range of concepts, actions, and emotions. The symbol set is highly customisable, allowing educators, therapists, and parents to tailor visual aids to meet the unique needs and preferences of individual children. This flexibility ensures that children are presented with symbols that resonate with them, making the communication process more relatable and enjoyable.
3. Promoting Independence:
By using Boardmaker PCS, children are empowered to take control of their communication, promoting independence and self-expression. The symbols provide a visual roadmap for conveying messages, allowing children to make choices, share their opinions, and express their needs without relying solely on verbal communication. This newfound independence can boost their confidence and self-esteem, positively influencing their overall development.
4. Supporting Visual Learners:
Many children are visual learners, meaning they absorb information better through visual aids. Boardmaker PCS caters to this learning style, enabling children to grasp concepts, follow routines, and comprehend tasks more effectively. Visual representations can enhance memory retention, comprehension, and recall, making it easier for children to engage in learning activities both in and out of the classroom.
5. Facilitating Social Interaction:
When children use the same symbol system, it promotes consistency and understanding among their peers and caregivers. This shared language fosters meaningful social interactions, allowing children to connect with others more easily and reducing barriers to communication. As a result, children can build stronger relationships and participate more actively in social settings.
6. Integration with Educational and Therapeutic Settings:
Boardmaker PCS is widely accepted in educational and therapeutic settings, making it a valuable tool for both school and home environments. Educators and therapists can incorporate these symbols into lesson plans, behaviour strategies, and daily routines, ensuring continuity in communication and learning across various settings.
Incorporating evidence-based picture symbols like Boardmaker PCS into visual aids for children can revolutionise their communication experience. By enhancing communication, promoting independence, supporting visual learning, and facilitating social interaction, Boardmaker PCS empowers children to express themselves effectively and participate more actively in their communities. Whether used in the classroom, therapy sessions, or at home, these symbols play a vital role in fostering children's development, enriching their lives, and unlocking their full potential.
As a licensed creator of Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), Little Tick Creations offers a unique and valuable role in the world of education and communication support. Our expertise and commitment to using evidence-based picture symbols provide families with a well-established and widely trusted communication system. These symbols are designed following extensive research and are continually updated to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Having access to the symbol library empowers us to create visual aids that resonate with children, enabling more effective communication and fostering meaningful connections.
Visual aids crafted by Boardmaker PCS creators go beyond communication support. These aids can be designed to promote various developmental aspects, such as cognitive skills, social interactions, and emotional expression. By combining the power of symbols with our knowledge of child development, we contribute to a holistic approach to children's growth, enabling them to thrive in all areas of their lives.
