Visual Schedules

What Is It?

A visual schedule is a set of pictures or words that communicates a sequence of activities a student is to complete independently.

Why Use It?

Visual schedules teach independence and choice-making by allowing students to work without having an adult provide continual prompting.

Instructional Steps:

1. Determine what level of symbol the student understands such as photographs, drawings, or words.

2. Select a format for the schedule. It can be written out or display a sequence of vertical or horizontal symbols.

3. Select the tasks that will appear on the schedule.

   1. If using pictures, create two sets that represent each task. One copy of each picture goes on the student’s schedule and the other copy is placed on the activity so the student can match the pictures.

4. Place a small piece of Velcro on the back of the pictures that will be placed on the student’s schedule. The other side of the Velcro is placed on a piece of poster board, cardstock, or other material.

5. Place an envelope or other small container at the end of the schedule board. The student will return the pictures here when the task is complete.

Using the Schedule:

1. Sequence tasks on the schedule in a logical order.

2. Ensure necessary materials are easily accessible to students.

3. Prompt the students to check their schedules.

4. The student moves to the schedule, looks at the first picture, gathers materials, completes the activity, returns the picture, and goes to the next picture.

5. If a student stops working or needs prompting, remind him to check his schedule and continue until all tasks are completed.