A visual schedule is a row of pictures that shows a child what happens next. These 16 cut-out picture cards cover the steps of a typical day, so you can build a morning, after-school or bedtime schedule in a few minutes.
What is on it
Sixteen cards with simple illustrations: wake up, potty, get dressed, breakfast, brush teeth, shoes and coat, school, play time, lunch, quiet time, snack, outside, clean up, bath, story and sleep. Cut along the dashed lines.
Who it is for
Children from about two to eight, especially autistic children, children with ADHD and any child who finds transitions hard. Families use them for mornings, weekends and holidays; teachers and therapists use them for classroom routines and sessions.
How to use it
- Print, cut and laminate the cards; put a small piece of Velcro on the back of each.
- Pick one routine and choose three to six cards for it.
- Line them up left to right (or top to bottom) at your child's eye level, where the routine happens.
- Point to the card, say the word, do the step, and let your child move the finished card to a "done" pocket.
Tips
- Start smaller than you think; a two-card first-then board is a good first step.
- Add a timer before the steps your child finds hardest to leave.
Keep going
Pair the cards with the First, Then board for hard transitions. Visual schedules and timers work especially well together for autistic children; see our visual timer for autism guide.
US Letter, one page, full color (it also prints fine in black and white, and on A4 with "fit to page"). Free for home, classroom and therapy use; please share the link rather than re-uploading the file. More on our free tools and printables page.
