Routines & Schedules Handout

Use this template to design clear, predictable routines for key times of day. Identify each step, choose a simple transition cue, and embed a small reward to reinforce success.

Routine 1 Planning

Routine Name (e.g., Morning, After-School, Bedtime): _________________________________

1. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

2. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

3. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

(Add more steps as needed)

Transition Cue (e.g., timer, song, signal):
_______________________________________________

Small Reward (e.g., sticker, 5-minute play break):
_______________________________________________

Routine 2 Planning

Routine Name (e.g., Morning, After-School, Bedtime): _________________________________

1. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

2. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

3. Step/Activity

• Time: ________________
  
• What happens: ____________________________________________________________
  
  
  

(Add more steps as needed)

Transition Cue (e.g., timer, song, signal):
_______________________________________________

Small Reward (e.g., sticker, 5-minute play break):
_______________________________________________

Tips for Success:

• Keep steps short and clear.
• Use consistent cues every day.
• Choose rewards that motivate your child and are easy to provide.
• Review and adjust your routine after one week of use.

For examples of active breaks you can insert between steps, see the Active Break Ideas Chart.

Active Break Ideas Chart

Use these quick, fun movement breaks to help active children release energy and refocus. Aim for 1–3 minutes per activity, depending on your child’s needs.

Tips for Using Active Breaks:

• Schedule breaks every 20–30 minutes of seated work.
• Let your child choose or help pick the next activity.
• Accommodate space: use desk-based options when indoors.
• Track which breaks boost focus most and rotate regularly.

Behavior Tracking Template

Use this template to monitor a specific behavior over one week. Select one target behavior and record each occurrence or daily summary. Review patterns to adjust strategies.

Target Behavior: ___________________________________________

Instructions:

• Record each time the target behavior occurs (or complete one row per day).
• Note the context and any triggers to identify patterns.
• Describe exactly what you observed as the child’s response.
• Provide and record the reward or feedback given immediately after the behavior.
• Use the Notes section for insights or adjustments for the next day.

After one week, review your entries to:

1. Identify common triggers or contexts.
2. Evaluate which rewards were most effective.
3. Plan any changes to routines or strategies for the following week.

Communication Techniques Guide

Effective communication is key to guiding active children toward positive behaviors. This guide covers three core techniques—Positive Framing, Active Listening, and Clear Expectations—with examples you can use right away.

1. Positive Framing

What it is: Focusing on what you want your child to do rather than what you don’t want. This encourages cooperation and reduces confusion.

How to use it:

• Replace “Don’t run!” with “Please walk.”
• Swap “Stop yelling!” for “Use your indoor voice, please.”

Example:
• Instead of “Don’t throw your toys,” say “Please keep your toys on the floor.”

Why it works: Positive statements give a clear picture of the expected behavior, so children know exactly how to respond.

2. Active Listening

What it is: Fully concentrating on your child, acknowledging their feelings, and reflecting back what you hear. This shows empathy and builds trust.

Key steps:

1. Pause & Focus: Stop what you’re doing and make eye contact.
2. Acknowledge Feelings: Name the emotion you observe. (“You seem frustrated about homework.”)
3. Reflect & Clarify: Restate their concern and ask a follow-up question. (“You’d rather play than start math—what’s the hardest part?”)

Example:
Child: “I hate this puzzle!”
Parent: “You’re feeling frustrated with the puzzle. What part is tricky for you?”

Why it works: Children feel heard and understood, which lowers resistance and opens them to guidance.

3. Clear Expectations

What it is: Giving simple, specific directions with a positive outcome. Avoid vague or multi-step commands that overwhelm.

How to use it:

• Break tasks into single steps.
• Use precise language (“Put your dirty clothes in the hamper,” not “Clean up your room”).
• Offer a brief rationale when helpful (“We need to leave in five minutes so you’re not late.”)

Example:
• “Place your backpack by the door.”
• “When the timer dings, it’s time to switch to reading.”

Why it works: Children know exactly what’s expected and can follow through with confidence.

Tips for Success

• Combine techniques: Start with Active Listening, then use Positive Framing to redirect, and set Clear Expectations for the next step.
• Keep your tone calm and your words concise.
• Reinforce compliance immediately with praise or a small reward.
• Practice regularly; consistency builds familiarity and cooperation.

Use these techniques daily to create a positive communication pattern that supports your child’s needs and fosters smoother routines.