When I talk to teachers about schedules. There is one BIG thing that stands out the most to me. How do I know what is best for my kids?
Ultimately, the answer is simple + complicated at the same exact time. YOU know your kids best. Not me, not any blogger or autism expert. You know what your kids need. The best I can do is show you a bunch of options- and guide you through the process.
WALL SCHEDULES
For children who:
+ are just beginning school
+ need a high level of structure
+ remain in one room most of the day
OR
+ have a difficult time with transitions
With younger kids, I like to start here first. ((but again, you know your kids best- they may not need it!)
For preschool- I like to teach transitions with center based schedules. The child takes the schedule piece off of the wall schedule and brings it to the center “check in”. Basically a center card that they velcro their schedule card to. This teachers the concept of “it’s time for” in real time.
Next, I go to my GO TO. You may be used to a wall schedule where the child takes the schedule piece off the schedule and places in a bin at the bottom. These are OK- but my classroom runs on a left to right system. I teach task boxes and all work systems that way, it teaches the need for scanning, and most of all it’s how we read a book. It is a built in way to teach this life skill. It is how we as adults navigate the environment without having to be specifically taught.
LEFT TO RIGHT schedules work like this. A student goes over to their wall schedule- checks it by moving the completed task to the right and pointing to what’s next. Then they transition to that activity. They check after each transition. At the end of the day all visuals are on the right.
Want the tutorial for how to make wall schedules from Astrobrights paper? Find it here.
MOBILE SCHEDULES
Once the child has:
+mastered the wall schedule
+become more independent in managing time
+ moving around the building often
+ taking part in more inclusion
OR
+ needs support at their hands ALL THE TIME
+ needs to know whats next in the moment all day
+ has anxiety about what is next
The above is usually my criteria for mobile schedules. I truly feel the teacher will best know when a student needs this type of schedule.
Here’s how I make one.
+ Cut a piece of cardboard to size.
+ Add a piece of colored construction paper or astrobrights (I suggest keeping the color consistent if you are moving from a wall schedule)
+ Use Scotch packing tape to tape around the paper and cardboard ( my way of laminating something thick!)
+ Add two strips of velcro to one side for a L to R schedule
+ Add visuals and DONE 🙂
BINDER SCHEDULES
Once the child has:
+mastered the wall schedule
+ mastered the mobile schedule
+become more independent in managing time
+ moving around the building often
or
+ with different staff/ teachers often
+ in different classrooms often
+ need a variety of visuals, schedules, and materials on hand
I am absolutely in love with binder schedule. Mostly because it is so much more than a schedule. I include ALL student visuals in the binder. All types of schedules/ first then boards… and if a staff member is primarily utilizing it… behavior plan info, data info, IEP, notes. It’s perfect when students are moving from staff to staff or just moving around the building often. Keep everything in one place. You can find my Simple Success Student Binder here, and read about it here.
Mini Schedules
Once the child has:
+ mastered the wall schedule
+ mastered the mobile schedule
+is independent in managing time
or
+ none of the above
+ needs extra support after the transitions
+ needs activities broken down further
+ needs to see the reward is coming
+ Needs the individual schedule AND more
Mini schedules have multiple uses. If your student has graduated from needing a very detailed structured schedule, but sometimes still needs the extra support… this is a great option. For instance: if gym is really hard and causing a lot of behavior… you can utilize the specials first next last board or a paint stick schedule (paint sticks are free at any paint store)- these usually only have a few activities on them and end with a break. It helps the students regulate themselves and gain a better sense of time.
You can also use these ALONGSIDE wall or binder schedules. Sometimes once the student transitions to an activity- they still need that activity broken down further. Sometimes a student needs to look ahead to see the reward. ( first/ then boards) are definitely in this category. Then this is what you need!
Whole Group Schedules
Once the child has:
+ mastered the wall schedule
+ mastered the mobile schedule
+ is able to utilize something more general
+ does not need the day broken down in smaller steps
or
+ in addition to individual schedules for all classroom staff and students
+ use as a schedule for the whole classroom, not student
I ALWAYS have a whole group schedule in addition to individual schedules. Some kids may need both, some might not be able to utilize the whole group schedule yet (but staff needs it), and some are ready to just use a general schedule of the day. ((common theme: you know your students best)) But, I will say that I believe all classrooms benefit from a whole group schedule to go over during morning meeting, and have something to refer to throughout the day. BUT- do not let this schedule become wall decor. + I have some tips on how to make it interactive and student centered here.
I’ve touched on many types of schedules in this post!
You can find my schedule set here. (whole group + individual)
You can find my Simple Success Binder here.
You can find the mini schedule name tags here.
You can find the specials schedule here.
