Visual Schedule

Official title: Building predictability through visuals

Goal

Create structure and predictability to build independence and reduce challenging behaviors.

How

Start by planning the day’s order—begin with fixed times, then add a mix of structured and unstructured activities, plus scheduled breaks. Place the visual schedule somewhere learners can easily see. Review it at the start of the day and refer to it during transitions. (You’ll find a visual schedule in the Tools chapter!)

Context

Schedules help everyone! Younger learners may benefit from visuals with text, while older learners may prefer text with specific times. Choose the format that best fits your learners.

Tip

Build independence by having learners help build the schedule, announce what’s next during transitions, and/or move finished activities to a “done” column.