It is very important to create a visual schedule or routine at home. This will help every one in your house be on the same page. Here are some ideas and tips. You can get Boardmaker Pictures online, but I have found it is easier, just as effective and often more meaningful to our children, when we draw out our routines, expectations and explanations with them.
Here is a schedule to use for Getting Ready for School.
Getting Ready for School Chart Picture Symbols.pdfGetting Ready for School Chart.pdfThese are some other examples of different routines and schedules. Start with a bedtime routine. This will help with sleep. Then add a morning routine. Finally add the daytime routine.
First-Then
When creating a routine or schedule, it is important to balance things that a child likes with things that a child does not like. I usually tell myself that if I finish my work, I can have a coffee and read as a reward. This is the concept of First-Then.
You do not need to print or use fancy pictures. You can draw a routine using stick figures. For example, this is the bedtime routine. Bath-Read-Sleep
Use a timer for the screen time or an activity that your child has trouble stopping. Do not give more time then you have set, even if your son/daughter tantrums. I know that this is hard, but if you give in, it is confusing for your son/daughter and it will make things harder for you next time.
This is how to lock an ipad on one app. This puts you in control of what your child is using.
Use Guided Access with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Go to Settings > Accessibility, then turn on Guided Access.
Tap Passcode Settings, then tap Set Guided Access Passcode.
Enter a passcode, then re-enter it.
Go to the app you want you child to use. Tap the home button three times to start guided access.
To get out of the app. Tapp the home button three times and enter the password.
Showing Changes
Schedules change all the time. That is okay. But for our kids and for many adults, it is easier to accept change when we see it. In my example, we were supposed to go outside, but it is raining, so we will stay inside and sing Shake Your Sillies. When there is a change to your schedule or routine, draw and explain the change with your child.
Calendar
We use the calendar every day at school. It is a very important tool to show your child what is happening and when changes occur.
For example, if there is no school you could draw a bus and a line on it.
You can also write when Mom and Dad are working, so your child knows who is home with them. Then if there is a change in the schedule, cross it out and write what is happening instead.
Hang the calendar on the fridge so that everyone can see it. Make it a part of the routine to look at the calendar every morning and every night. This will help your child understand what is happening around them and feel safe and calmer.
You can print a yearly calendar from this website https://www.calendar-12.com/printable_calendar/2023