Quick look: The Los Alamitos Unified School District is installing colorful communication boards on elementary playgrounds to support inclusive play and give all students more ways to connect — no matter how they communicate.
Whether it’s joining a game of tag, asking for a turn on the swings or just sharing how they feel, students at Los Alamitos Unified campuses now have more ways to be part of the conversation.
Colorful new communication boards are being installed on elementary school playgrounds throughout the district to promote inclusive play and give all students a way to connect — no matter how they communicate.
Each board features a grid of words, symbols and illustrations that students can point to as they interact with friends or staff members. The idea is to support children with complex communication needs, but they’re also a fun way for other students to engage and make new friends.
The project was led by district speech-language pathologist Katie Kolstad and funded through an Innovation Grant from the Los Alamitos Education Foundation. The goal is to give students of all abilities more opportunities to participate in playground games, social exchanges and unstructured activities while fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
“The playground should be a place where every child feels welcome and part of the fun,” said Kolstad. “These boards give all students, no matter how they communicate, a way to share ideas, join in play and build friendships. Seeing kids use them together has been such a joyful reminder of the power of inclusion.”
District officials point out that all of Los Alamitos Unified’s elementary campuses serve students with diverse communication needs. While several Los Al schools already have communication boards in place, plans are underway to bring them to every elementary site.