Tip of the Month: Using Schedules

Do you use a calendar to keep up with coming events? Do you write lesson plans to remember what activities to do that day? Do you like having a "to do" list so you can check off things that are completed? Just like we need visuals to organize our day, so do students with autism! Schedules, calendars, and lists are all appropriate visual supports that everyone uses on a daily basis. Here are some ideas for incorporating schedules into your student's day:

Using a schedule

1. Determine what type of schedule your student needs (i.e., symbols, photos, words, or objects).

2. Determine how the schedule will be displayed and if it will be portable or fixed.

3. Break down the day by location or activity.

4. Create a symbol/word for each location or activity.

5. Teach the child to use the schedule by pairing the symbols/words with the activities. If the schedule is fixed, have the child pull the item off and carry it to the next location as a transition cue.

For more information about schedules, see the following sites:ww.do2learn.com

www.usevisualstrategies.com
www.do2learn.com
www.teacch.com

Previous "Tips of the Month"

Using a First/Then Boardirst/Then Directions
First/Then Directions
Sample First/Then Board

Writing Social Storiesocial Stories Guidelines
Social Stories Guidelines
Social Stories Samples

Using a Work/Reward Board
Work Reward Board
Printable Directions