Schedules

There are so many ways to incorporate schedules into daily routines and therapy sessions. Some children respond well to seeing everything that is to come. Other children respond best when they can see one to two activities or tasks at a time. Personally, I make a written schedule each night of every activity and to-do list item for the following day. This works well to keep my organized and on routine!

Some of my favorite ways to use schedules are:

Written schedules – grab a white board, and get to planning! If your child can help you by writing the words, give it a go!

Picture schedules – is your child working on fine motor skills? Have them draw pictures of your plan. If they are working on handwriting, have them try to write the numbers or first letter of each activity.

Auditory schedules – one of my favorites to use during therapy sessions. There is an app called ChoiceWorks that utilizes a visual/auditory schedule. This allows children who are not yet reading and not yet ready to draw their own schedules to follow along and collaborate on a plan.

If you are using a schedule for a routine, it can be helpful to have your child indicate in some way that the task is complete. This can look like moving a picture card, crossing off words, or erasing a picture. Reminder to be consistent with schedules to help your child with sequencing and regulation!