Communication Magnets

Although Velcro is our most frequent way of storing and arranging symbols for communication in our classrooms there are some benefits to thinking outside the box and turning to magnet symbols among them that using magnets generally won't ruin as many pairs of scissors, with magnets you don't need to remember the "soft stays" Velcro rule to avoid having incompatible sets, and the fact that most of use have metal desks, magnetic dry erase boards and/or other metal furniture in out classroom we cab turn into "word walls" using magnets symbols. Last year I kept magnetic picture symbols for eat, drink and the most common items we had in our classroom mini-fridge attached to the door and was thrilled to see one of my students take to that system without any training.

Here are some resources for moving to magnet based communication symbols:

Pre-Made Communication Magnets

• Barker-Creek PCS Magnets (also vended by Say-It-With-Symbols a local {for me} company run by a parent of a child with disabilities)
• CommuniPix (photo cards)
  
• IncredAbilities Magnetic PECS (PCS Symbols)
• Label and Learn Sign Language Magnets
  

Do-It-Yourself Communication Magnets Materials

• magnetic paint (you can use it on walls, table tops, tri-wall built items, easels, wooden clip boards or wheelchair trays and more)
• printable magnet paper
• Magnet Store (magnetic materials vendor)
• magnetic clipboard
• magnetic lapboard (great for on-the-run communication or choice boards)
• magnetic table top easel
• magnetic mats
• magnetic tri-fold boards
  
• MagnaTag Store

Since I am thinking about magnets...

• online alphabet magnets
• online word magnets
• online magnetic poetry
• online magnetic poetry for kids
  

CommuniPix - Magnetic Photo Symbols

CommuniPix is a company that allows users to upload photographs which are then turned into photo symbol magnets. Much like the picture communication symbol magnets from Barker Creek these magnets are perfect for PECS, magnetic communication boards and creating a language rich environment. A basic deck is also available for those who want to order something off-the-shelf. The website includes suggestions for symbols, placing and carrying photo magnets (such as magnetic paint primer and magnetic strips) and tips for photographing symbols.

Unrelated, but interesting, did you know you can also get dry erase paint, glow-in-the-dark paint and chalkboard paint?

Barker Creek

One of the great things that has happened as a result of writing this blog is contact with other educators, bloggers, parents of children with disabilities and people who own or work for companies that make for products for people with disabilities.

Last night I was contacted via the Meebo instant messaging button over on the left of the blog by the Barker Creek company. Barker Creek makes a number of great products but the one I had written about on my blog is Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbol Magnets. I have a full set of these in my classroom and we love them, and we have had visitors leave with photocopies of the catalog and order form because they wanted their own set.

During my chat with the Barker Creek representative last night I suggested the Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbol set I wish they sold, a schedule set. I already use the magnets on a bright red cookie sheet as a schedule board, but some common schedule items are missing and a package of schedule related PCS magnets would be great. Look for it in the next year or so the representative said!