Visual communication starter

A simple first step towards meaningful communication.

The Visual Communication Starter has been designed to introduce children and the adults supporting them to functional communication using both visual symbols and Key Word Sign Australia.

Research shows that children learn communication best when it is modelled consistently during everyday routines and motivating activities. By pairing visual symbols with simple key word signs, adults provide multiple ways for children to understand, express themselves and participate in meaningful interactions.

This starter pack focuses on four of the most powerful early communication words:

• More
• Help
• Go
• Finished

These words are highly motivating, easy to use throughout the day and support children to communicate their wants, needs and participation across play, mealtimes, routines and social interactions.

All signs included in this resource are based on Key Word Sign Australia.

What’s Included

• Communication board featuring four core communication words
• Individual Key Word Sign cards
• Ready-to-print PDF
• Instant digital download

Perfect For

• First-time visual communication users
• Parents and caregivers
• Early childhood educators
• Speech pathologists
• Occupational therapists
• Early communicators
• Autism
• Speech and language delays
• Home, preschool, school and therapy

Digital Download

This product is a digital download only.

Your files will be available immediately after purchase.

If you would prefer a professionally printed, laminated and posted version, please contact support@theplayfulspeechie.com to discuss available options and pricing.

Terms of Use

Thank you for supporting The Playful Speechie.

Every resource is thoughtfully created by a paediatric speech pathologist to support communication, participation and independence through evidence-informed practice.

You are welcome to:

• Print this resource as many times as needed for your own family, classroom or therapy caseload.
• Laminate, cut and reuse the materials.
• Store the digital file on your personal devices.
• Use the resource during therapy sessions, at home, preschool or school.

Please do not:

• Share, email or distribute the digital files to others.
• Upload this resource to websites, social media, shared drives or file-sharing platforms.
• Sell, copy, edit or redistribute any part of this resource.
• Remove or alter The Playful Speechie branding or copyright information.

Important Information

This resource is intended to support communication development and participation and is not a replacement for individual assessment or therapy from a qualified speech pathologist or other healthcare professional.

The signs included in this resource are based on Key Word Sign Australia and are intended to complement natural communication during everyday interactions.

Visual symbols and Key Word Sign are most effective when adults consistently model them alongside spoken language during meaningful, motivating activities.