How to Create a Daily Schedule

 

A daily schedule is like the “backbone” of a visual support system. It gives the student information about what will happen and when it will occur. It can also include information about what will not happen, what is changing from the expected routine or any other information that is important to the student.

 

  1. Divide the day into segments
    • Think of the general time slots of the day. For example:

          Work time
          Circle time
          Break
          Recess
          Lunch
          Snack
          Gym
          Art
          Play time
          Field trip
          Bathroom

    • For older students the time slots may match the hours of the day when classes change.
    • In out of school environments the time slots will match the major activity changes in the day.
  2. Give each segment a name
  3. Select a representation system
    • Consider photographs, line drawings or written words
  4. Select a format
    • Is the schedule for a whole group or for an individual?
    • Where will you keep it?

      -On a wall
      -On a desk
      -Teacher carries it in a book
      -Student carries it in his pocket

  5. Decide when and how the student will use it throughout the day.
    • Some students look at it once and remember all the information.
    • Some students need to go back to the schedule at each transition point in the day to review what comes next
    • There will be individual variations
  6. Teach the student how to use the schedule.
  7. Use the schedule to give the student information about what is happening, what is changing, and anything else he needs to know.

 

You can create schedules and other visual tools to give students the information they need to help them participate successfully in all the routines and activities in their lives.

 

Linda Hodgdon, M.ED., CCC-SLP is a Speech Pathologist and consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is the author of the best seller, Visual Strategies for Improving Communication. To learn more or to sign up for her FREE E-newsletter, visit www.UseVisualStrategies.com

 

 

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