Visual Schedules
What is a visual schedule?
A visual schedule is a tool that gives the child information about what is happening, the sequence of events, what changes may be occurring, or when it is time to stop an activity and move on to another. A visual schedule may include objects, pictures, and/or written words.
How to use a visual schedule at home
Make your own visual schedule
Use the template to make your own visual schedule! If you do not have access to printing/laminating, ask your SLP/OT team for assistance. Click the icon in the top right corner for downloading and printing.
Directions:
Take pictures of the routine you'd like to represent. Ideas of routines include: bathtime, mealtime, morning routine, after school routine, etc.
Print the template and the pictures of the routine.
Laminate and cut out the pieces.
Assemble by sticking the pictures of the routine (with tape, velcro, sticky tack, etc.) in the appropriate order under the "To Do" column.
To use, move the picture to the red box when the action is complete. When all the pictures are in their red boxes, the schedule is finished! Move the pictures back to the left side so that your schedule is ready to use again next time.
visual schedule black gold.pdf
There's an app for that!
If you prefer to use a high-tech option for visual schedules, there are many apps that can be useful in helping your child understand and organize their day. See the list below for some ideas:
Choiceworks by BeeVisual ($14.99 on the App Store for Apple products only)
Visual Schedule Planner by Good Karma Applications Inc. ($14.99 on the App Store for iPads only)
RoutineFactory.com ($11.95/month for individuals, compatible with Apple or Android)
First Then Visual Schedule HD by Good Karma Applications Inc. ($14.99 on the App Store for Apple products only)