Tap AACGreetings and conversation board: free printable
A greetings and conversation board gives a person the words that start a conversation and keep it going: hi, how are you?, I’m fine, what’s your name?, that’s funny, tell me more. This free PDF has a board of 30 social words in five rows (hello and goodbye, ask, answer, keep it going, be kind) and a page of 12 conversation starter cards, with two blank cards for your own.
Download the free PDF US Letter, 2 pages, 1,263 KB
Portrait (tall page, 2 pages): US Letter PDF (1,263 KB) · A4 PDF (1,263 KB)
Landscape (wide page, 2 pages): US Letter PDF (1,261 KB) · A4 PDF (1,260 KB)
Edit this board in the free board maker: change the words and pictures, then print.
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Who it’s for
Children, teens and adults who use pictures to talk, and who mostly get to use them to ask for things. Chatting with a classmate, a grandparent or a neighbor needs different words: greetings, questions and the small comments that keep a conversation going. This board is for those words.
How to use it
- Use it at real hellos and goodbyes. At the door, at school drop-off, when a visitor arrives. Point to hi as you say it.
- Ask one question, then wait. Point to how are you? and give the other person time to answer.
- Show how to keep it going. When someone tells you something, point to wow or tell me more. Model these words more than any others; they are what turn a question and an answer into a chat.
- Start with familiar people. Brothers, sisters, grandparents and a favorite teacher make easy first partners.
- Pass the turn back. After the person points, wait for the reply before pointing again.
More than asking for things
Most boards are built around wants and needs, which matter. But a lot of talking is social: saying hello, sharing a joke, agreeing, saying sorry. The Keep it going and Be kind rows give a person ways to take part in a conversation, not only to start one.
Conversation starter cards
Page 2 has 12 ready-made openers, like “What did you do this weekend?” and “Can I sit with you?”. Before a visit or at lunch, pick one card together, then hand it over or read it out. Two cards have a gap to fill in with a dry-erase marker: “I like your shoes.” “Tell me about your dog.” The cards are words only, which many teens and adults prefer.
Grandma calls on video. Lucas points to hi, then how are you?. She says she has been baking cookies all morning. Lucas points to wow, then tell me more. Grandma laughs and holds the tray up to the camera. When it’s time to go, Lucas points to see you later and waves.
Words on the board
Hello and goodbye
- hi
- bye
- good morning
- see you later
- nice to meet you
- high five
Ask
- how are you?
- what’s your name?
- can I play?
- are you okay?
- play with me?
- say it again
Answer
- I’m fine
- my name is
- yes
- no
- I like it
- I agree
Keep it going
- that’s funny
- cool!
- wow
- oh no
- tell me more
- good idea
Be kind
- please
- thank you
- sorry
- excuse me
- you’re welcome
- great job
Printing tips
- Laminate the board, and write the person’s name next to my name is with a dry-erase marker.
- Punch a hole in the starter cards and keep them on a binder ring, so one can be flipped to at lunch or recess.
- Cut the board into its five rows if a smaller strip is easier to carry.
- For playing together, add the playground communication board.
More free boards
-
Nonverbal communication cardsFold-out “I use AAC” wallet cards for new people and first responders, and 14 quick cards for a key ring. -
Church communication boardWords for joining in at church, saying hello and asking for a break, plus the steps of a visit and a quiet bag list. -
Birthday party communication boardParty talk, cake, presents and games, the steps of a party, what helps when it’s too much, and badges. -
Playground communication boardMy turn, your turn, swing, slide, fast, again and more, for playing together.
Need a different board? Make your own with the free AAC board maker.
These boards and guides are general information, not therapy or medical advice, and they don’t replace a speech therapist. A speech therapist who knows the person can help choose the right words, pictures and layout. The boards are free to print and share; please don’t sell them (terms of use). Questions about the boards? Email support@lmnoplabs.fun.