To ease transitions that are difficult for children, particularly those aged 3 through 9, and can result in explosive behaviors and to reduce explosive behaviors and increase cooperation
Young children benefit from visual cues reminding them of what is next. Do the following, if possible, with the child:
1. Gather materials such as scissors, a glue stick, poster board, clear contact paper, pictures (photographs, pictures from magazines, images from Google, cereal boxes, household supplies, restaurant napkins, placemats, wrappers, etc.). Every picture should have a label so the child can associate the written text with the picture.
2. Choose pictures for the schedule you wish to create. Keep in mind that a visual schedule is used to assist children with transitions and anticipating activities throughout the day. It can be as specific or as general as the child may need and can be for varying spans of time. For example, a visual schedule may outline parts of a day, a half-day, or an entire day.
3. Cut your pictures and poster board squares the same size. Keep in mind your child’s developmental level.*
4. Glue the pictures on poster board squares for durability.
5. Punch holes and string the pictures together with yarn or string in the order of the day.
6. Hang from a cabinet or hook at the top of a door.
Use the worksheet on page 74 with parents/caregivers to identify the transitions during the child’s day.
List each transition in the child’s day:
1. _________________________________________
2. _________________________________________
3. _________________________________________
4. _________________________________________
5. _________________________________________
6. _________________________________________
7. _________________________________________
8. _________________________________________
9. _________________________________________
10. _________________________________________
Now evaluate the following:
The child needs full supervision and prompting: yes or no
The child needs moderate supervision and prompting: yes or no
The child needs only the visual reminders: yes or no
Create a string of cues for each transition, keeping in mind developmental stages.
*Tip: Keep in mind the developmental stage of the child. Some children will understand what “getting dressed” means. Others will need a cue for each piece of clothing, such as images for shirt, underwear, pants, socks, and shoes.