Lesson Plan
Visual Schedules Power
Parents will learn to use visual supports and structured schedules to enhance their child's independence and positive behavior, and will create personalized visuals and schedule plans to implement at home.
Visuals and schedules clarify expectations, build routine, and reduce behavior challenges. Empowering parents with these tools boosts child confidence, consistency, and family harmony.
Audience
Parents
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive workshop with presentations, hands-on creation, and group discussions.
Materials
- Visual Schedule Template, - Daily Routine Chart Example, - Behavioral Cue Cards, - Parent Reflection Worksheet, - Sample Visuals Gallery, - Flipchart and Markers, - Sticky Notes, and - Projector or Large Screen
Prep
Print and Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review all digital resources: Visual Schedule Template, Daily Routine Chart Example, Behavioral Cue Cards, Parent Reflection Worksheet, Sample Visuals Gallery
- Print sufficient copies of each handout for participants
- Arrange room with tables for small-group work and ensure projector is functional
- Set out flipchart, markers, and sticky notes at each table
Step 1
Welcome and Introduction
10 minutes
- Welcome participants and introduce facilitator roles
- Outline session objectives and agenda on screen
- Icebreaker: invite each parent to share one routine they find challenging
- Establish group norms for participation and confidentiality
Step 2
Understanding the Benefits of Visuals and Schedules
15 minutes
- Present key research on how visuals support learning and behavior regulation
- Display examples from the Sample Visuals Gallery
- Discuss common daily challenges and how visuals can address them
- Encourage questions about real-life applicability
Step 3
Hands-On Visual Creation Activity
25 minutes
- Distribute Visual Schedule Template, markers, and sticky notes
- In small groups, choose one routine (e.g., morning or homework) to design a visual support
- Apply symbols, pictures, and color-coding to represent each step
- Groups present their visuals; facilitator and peers provide constructive feedback
Step 4
Designing Effective Schedules for Home
20 minutes
- Introduce the Daily Routine Chart Example
- Provide Behavioral Cue Cards for embedding reminders and transitions
- Parents draft a weekly schedule tailored to their child’s needs
- Complete the Parent Reflection Worksheet to identify potential barriers and solutions
Step 5
Group Discussion and Reflection
15 minutes
- Invite parents to share insights, surprises, and challenges from the activities
- Facilitator prompts discussion on adapting visuals for different ages or abilities
- Open Q&A: troubleshoot anticipated implementation issues
- Capture key tips on flipchart for group reference
Step 6
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
5 minutes
- Recap main takeaways: benefits, creation steps, and implementation strategies
- Provide information on accessing digital copies of all materials and further resources
- Share contact details for follow-up support or questions
- Distribute and collect session feedback forms to guide future workshops
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Slide Deck
Visual Schedules Power
Using Visuals and Schedules to Support Child Learning and Behavior
• Tier 2 Group Session for Parents
• 90 Minutes
Welcome participants and introduce facilitators. Review session duration and overview.
Session Objectives
By the end of this workshop, parents will:
• Understand benefits of visual supports and structured schedules
• Create personalized visual schedules
• Develop an effective weekly routine plan
• Identify strategies to overcome implementation barriers
Read each objective aloud, elaborating on how it will guide the workshop.
Why Use Visuals and Schedules?
• Clarify expectations and steps
• Build consistency and routine
• Promote child independence
• Reduce behavior challenges and anxiety
Explain how visuals and schedules clarify expectations and reduce stress for both children and caregivers.
Research Highlights
• Visual supports improve task engagement (Smith et al., 2018)
• Schedules reduce transition delays by 35% (Jones & Lee, 2020)
• Children with routines show increased confidence and compliance
Summarize key findings from recent studies; cite the most compelling data points.
Examples from Our Gallery
Refer to the Sample Visuals Gallery for ideas:
• Morning routine boards
• Homework checklists
• Behavioral cue cards
Discuss which examples resonate with your family’s needs.
Scroll through images or hand out printed examples as you speak.
Hands-On Visual Creation Activity
- Grab your Visual Schedule Template
- In small groups, choose a routine (e.g., morning, homework)
- Use symbols, colors, and images to map each step
- Present your visual; receive feedback
Read through instructions and demonstrate filling one step on the template.
Using the Visual Schedule Template
• Blank timeline with step placeholders
• Space for icons or photos
• Color zones for time blocks
Tips:
– Keep icons simple and clear
– Limit steps to 5–7 per routine
Point out template features and suggest design best practices.
Designing Effective Home Schedules
• Review the Daily Routine Chart Example
• Embed Behavioral Cue Cards for transitions
• Draft a weekly plan tailored to your child’s strengths and needs
Introduce the chart example and cue cards, then guide parents as they draft schedules.
Reflection: Identifying Barriers & Solutions
Complete the Parent Reflection Worksheet:
• What challenges might arise at home?
• How can you adapt visuals or routines?
• Which family supports can you engage?
Encourage honest reflection; share one barrier and brainstorm solutions as a group.
Group Discussion Prompts
• What surprised you during the activities?
• How will you customize visuals for your child’s age and interests?
• What supports do you need to stay consistent?
Open Q&A
Use these prompts to facilitate a rich discussion; capture notes on flipchart.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• Key Takeaways:
– Benefits, creation steps, implementation tips
• Access digital copies of all materials post-session
• Contact for follow-up support
• Please complete feedback forms
Recap the session, share resource access details, and remind parents to fill out feedback.
Worksheet
Visual Schedule Template
Use this template to map out your child’s routine. For each step, fill in the time, draw or attach an icon/photo, describe the activity, and choose a color code.
| Time | Icon/Photo | Task Description | Color Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ | |
| __________ | ___________________ | __________ |
Feel free to add or remove rows as needed based on your routine.
Worksheet
Daily Routine Chart Example
Below is a filled example of a weekly routine chart. Use this as inspiration when you draft your own schedule, adjusting times and activities to fit your family’s needs.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed | Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed | Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed | Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed | Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed | Sleep in until 8:30 AM |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast (cereal & fruit) | Breakfast (toast & eggs) | Breakfast (yogurt & granola) | Breakfast (pancakes) | Breakfast (oatmeal & berries) | Family breakfast (pancakes/waffles) |
| 8:00 AM | Leave for school | Leave for school | Leave for school | Leave for school | Leave for school | Free play / family activity |
| 3:00 PM | Arrive home, wash hands, afternoon snack | Arrive home, wash hands, afternoon snack | Arrive home, wash hands, afternoon snack | Arrive home, wash hands, afternoon snack | Arrive home, wash hands, afternoon snack | Outdoor play or visit playground |
| 3:30 PM | Homework (30 min) | Homework (30 min) | Homework (30 min) | Homework (30 min) | Homework (30 min) | Family walk or park outing |
| 5:00 PM | Free play/reading time | Free play/reading time | Free play/reading time | Free play/reading time | Free play/reading time | Chores or baking project with parent |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner (family meal) | Dinner (family meal) | Dinner (family meal) | Dinner (family meal) | Dinner (family meal) | Dinner (pizza night or grilling) |
| 6:30 PM | Screen-free time | Screen-free time | Screen-free time | Screen-free time | Screen-free time | Movie night or board games |
| 7:00 PM | Bath, brush teeth | Bath, brush teeth | Bath, brush teeth | Bath, brush teeth | Bath, brush teeth | Bath, brush teeth |
| 7:30 PM | Bedtime story & snuggle | Bedtime story & snuggle | Bedtime story & snuggle | Bedtime story & snuggle | Bedtime story & snuggle | Quiet reading or family story time |
| 8:00 PM | Lights out / sleep | Lights out / sleep | Lights out / sleep | Lights out / sleep | Lights out / sleep | Lights out (aim for consistent bedtime) |
Note: Adjust the number of steps, times, and activities to match your child’s age, interests, and family routine.
Worksheet
Behavioral Cue Cards
Use these cue card templates to support transitions and behavior prompts at home. For each card:
- Draw or attach a simple icon/graphic to represent the cue (e.g., a clock for time reminders, a broom for clean-up).
- Write a brief prompt or instruction in the "Cue/Text" area (e.g., “5 minutes until cleanup,” “Time for homework”).
- Cut out each card along the edge and place them where your child can see them (on a chart, fridge, or binder).
Cue Card 1
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Cue Card 2
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Cue Card 3
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Cue Card 4
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Cue Card 5
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Cue Card 6
Icon/Graphic:
Cue/Text: _________________________________
Feel free to duplicate these cards or adjust the size to fit your needs.
Worksheet
Parent Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to anticipate challenges and plan solutions for implementing your child’s visuals and schedules at home.
1. What did you find most helpful during today’s session?
2. Which part of creating visuals and schedules felt most challenging?
3. Identify up to three potential barriers you might face when implementing your child’s visual schedule at home. For each barrier, describe it below.
• Barrier 1:
• Barrier 2:
• Barrier 3:
4. For each barrier above, list at least one strategy or adaptation to help you overcome it.
• Strategy for Barrier 1:
• Strategy for Barrier 2:
• Strategy for Barrier 3:
5. Who in your family or support network can help you stay consistent with the visuals and schedules? How will they assist?
6. How and when will you review and adjust your child’s visual schedule to ensure it continues to meet their needs?
7. What additional resources, questions, or ideas do you have moving forward?