Visual Routines

Download a printable version of the Newsletter here: December Newsletter 2019

According to the Conscious Discipline Website:

“The brain is a pattern-seeking device. If a classroom lacks clear routines and visual representations of them, students’ brains are preoccupied with trying to find the pattern rather than with learning. The more consistent and clearly represented your daily routines are, the more safely, smoothly and cooperatively your classroom will run.

Routines are the skeleton that supports a Conscious Discipline classroom. Every routine from the daily schedule, to lining up, to “what to do when you’re finished with your work” must be simply stated in pictures and words, and posted throughout the classroom where those routines occur.”

The best place to start this is wherever you are having the biggest problem. Look at the issue and ask yourself what the children need to know to do and make a visual. One example in Natalie Potter’s Pre-K classroom was the putting on of winter clothing. Getting 17, 4-year olds into their snow gear when they put on gloves and boots first was chaotic! This simple visual was created and the problem was solved in two days!! After the first week most students no longer needed it but it was there for the two who did.

Here are a few tips for making visuals:

Conscious Discipline teaches to use a left to right linear method for scheduling which is an introduction to English reading method rather than a top to bottom.
Use pictures of your students when possible and have them help create them.
Daily schedules can be put on magnets so they are movable and you can be flexible.
Children encode in pictures. Speak their language and get results!
Don't forget to share the use of routines with parents to help them ease their own difficult schedules. Transition times are often a high stress time for families and visuals can help.

This website is a great resource with lots of free printable tools to share with parents: Visual Routine Printables

Family Engagement Tips for Parent Use at Home:

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