Back To School: Using A Schedule To Help Learn Routines

Routines are essential life skills. Children thrive on routines. For children with developmental, intellectual, spectrum, or emotional disorders, routines are so important because it adds consistency and predictability to their lives. When a child knows what to expect out of their day, it can help them with stress and anxiety, minimizing problematic behaviors. Also, adding a daily routine can help your child function more independently. My son Ben knows our bedtime routine so well that he reminds me on his AAC tablet if I forget a step.

The transition from summer to back to school can be tough. We created a visual schedule resource this week to help your child get back into their back-to-school routine. You can print our free resource below. Laminate it, add some Velcro to the back, and choose which schedule strip you would like to use. We created strips with 3 to 5 steps.

Tips For Introducing a Schedule

Start Slow– If this is your first time using a schedule with your child, start with a small number of steps. You do not want to overwhelm them. You may need to use one card at a time and that is ok.

Teach that the visuals have meaning– Take the time to teach your child what the visuals mean. You can show them the backpack picture and show them their backpack. Show them the car photo means your car. If they do not understand what the pictures mean, the schedule will cause aggravation.

Reinforce– Your child may need praise, a fruit snack, a high five, or something desirable to them after completing a schedule step. This will make this a non-aversive activity.

Be consistent– use this schedule every day. The number of steps your child can do will grow and it may take time, but remember to stay consistent with this to be successful.

Have a great school year!