What’s so great about using Visual Schedules for daily routines?
They simplify your life! Don't we all want that?
Children are given so many different directions throughout the day. It is a lot to keep track of! Auditory fatigue is real. Creating a visual for daily activities significantly it eases auditory demand for children.
Other reasons visual schedules are great:
Reduces the number of verbal directions you give. You aren’t having to repeat yourself over and over again, which feels frustrating and kids also start to tune out.
Eases language demand: Kids don’t have to process so much and can refer back to the pictures for help.
Creates predictability: Kids are constantly learning new things and stretching their minds with new skills. They love predictability and being able to do things on their own. A visual schedule they can access on their own helps them feel successful and boosts confidence.
Gives your child more autonomy: This is an extension of number three. Kids need to feel proud of what they do and completing a task independently contributes to that feeling of success.
As parents we often don’t realize how many requests we are making all at once. Expecting kids to hear what we are asking, process the direction and follow through with the task is a lot to ask on its own. Then when we add multiple directions at once, some kids feel overwhelm and break down, not doing anything. That contributes to more frustration for everyone.
Maybe your kid is always running around in the morning to get their backpack together. Does getting dressed feel like a challenge? (CLEAN underwear, CLEAN clothes, brush hair and teeth etc) Are you always hounding them to start their homework and practice piano?
Implementing a visual schedule so children can follow through with expected routines eases language demand for you and them.
Put it in a high frequency spot in your house (their bathroom mirror, the fridge door, pantry door etc). Schedules do take training to use and consistency to be successful. Otherwise it just becomes another invisible sign and doesn’t help anyone. Play around until you find what works best for you and your child.
I created a schedule with simple, easy to process images, so kids will know what to do without asking you a bunch! Obviously, you'll need to train them on how to use it in the beginning but put in a little training and there will be a big payoff! I've included over 20 different images to put on the schedule and two different size options!
My suggestions for use:
Directions for use are on the chart printable. I would suggest putting it in a clear sleeve or laminating. You want your child to feel success completing the items and moving them to the FINISHED section. I like to tape an envelope to the bottom for completed items to go into.
No matter how you decide to use the schedule, I hope it simplifies both your life and your child's life!
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Want to try a visual schedule with your child to ease language demand and create more autonomy but still need help? Reach out!
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