Hands-On Visual Creation Activity

Objective: Create at least two visual supports to aid a specific routine at home.

Time: 30 minutes
Group Size: 3–4 parents per group

Materials:

• Sample Visuals Templates
• Markers, pens, colored pencils
• Sticky notes or Velcro dots
• Scissors and tape

1. Select a Routine (5 min)

• In your small group, choose one daily or weekly routine (e.g., morning routine, homework time, bedtime) that feels challenging.
• List all the sequential steps involved in that routine.

2. Plan Your Visuals (5 min)

• For each step, decide which visual type—photo, icon, or drawing—will be most meaningful for your child.
• Sketch a quick thumbnail of each image next to its step.

3. Design and Create (15 min)

• Use Sample Visuals Templates as your base.
• Draw or cut-and-paste pictures to represent each step clearly.
• Add simple labels or words if your child can read.
• Laminate (if available) and attach Velcro or magnets for reusability.

4. Assemble a Mini-Schedule (5 min)

• Lay out your visuals in the correct order on the table.
• If time allows, transfer them onto a strip or board to form a mini-schedule you can hang at home.

5. Reflection & Next Steps

• Decide where you’ll display these visuals at home.
• Plan one strategy for reviewing them daily with your child.

Reflection Questions:

1. What part of creating these visuals felt most helpful to you?
   
   
   

2. How might you adapt or update the visuals as your child’s skills grow?
   
   
   

3. When and where will you pilot this tool at home, and how will you involve your child in the process?
   
   
   

Your facilitator will circulate to answer questions and offer personalized tips throughout the activity.

Create Schedules Activity

Objective: Develop a personalized visual schedule to support your child’s daily or weekly routine.

Time: 30 minutes
Group Size: 3–4 parents per group

Materials:

• Blank Schedule Templates
• Markers, pens, colored pencils
• Sticky notes or icons (from Sample Visuals Templates if desired)
• Tape or Velcro dots

1. Identify the Routine (5 min)

• In your small group, choose a routine you’d like to structure (e.g., after-school homework, weekend chores, bedtime).
• Write down each step or activity in that routine in sequence.

2. Select a Schedule Format (5 min)

• Review the different formats on your Blank Schedule Templates (horizontal strip, flip chart, time-block grid).
• Decide which format best suits your child’s age, attention span, and display space.

3. Map and Design Your Schedule (10 min)

• Transfer each routine step onto your chosen template using sticky notes or drawings.
• Add images or icons next to each time slot or step to increase clarity.
• Color-code similar activities (e.g., self-care, schoolwork, play) to aid quick recognition.

4. Personalize and Make It Interactive (5 min)

• Attach Velcro or magnets so your child can move tasks as they complete them.
• Include start/end signals (e.g., hourglass icon, checkmark) for each activity.
• Plan where and how you’ll display the schedule at home (wall, fridge, bedroom door).

5. Reflection & Next Steps

• Decide when you’ll introduce the schedule to your child and how you’ll explain its use.
• Plan a brief daily check-in to review progress and adjust tasks as needed.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which schedule format do you think will be most effective for your child, and why?
   
   
   

2. How will you involve your child in updating or changing the schedule as they master tasks?
   
   
   

3. When will you pilot this schedule at home, and what will you track to measure its success?
   
   
   

Your facilitator will support each group as you create and refine your schedules.

Sample Visuals Templates

Use these blank templates to draw or paste images that represent each step in your child’s routine. After filling them in, cut out the frames and attach Velcro or magnets to make reusable visual supports.

Instructions:

1. Draw, paste, or print a photo in each blank frame to represent a routine step.
2. Write a short label beneath each frame if desired.
3. Cut along the outer edges of each frame.
4. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper (optional), then add Velcro or magnets.

Visual Frame 1

Label: _______________________________

Visual Frame 2

Label: _______________________________

Visual Frame 3

Label: _______________________________

Visual Frame 4

Label: _______________________________

Visual Frame 5

Label: _______________________________

Visual Frame 6

Label: _______________________________

Tip: You can resize these frames before printing or arrange them on cardstock to create a durable visual strip.

Blank Schedule Templates

Use these templates to create a visual schedule that fits your child’s needs and home environment. Pick the layout that works best, then write or draw each step in the spaces provided.

Template 1: Horizontal Strip

Ideal for small routines—cut along outer lines and hang as a strip.

Step 1: ____________________________



Step 2: ____________________________



Step 3: ____________________________



Step 4: ____________________________



Step 5: ____________________________



Step 6: ____________________________

Template 2: Flip Chart Style

Great for daily routines—flip from top to bottom as each task is completed.

• Slot 1: _________________________



• Slot 2: _________________________



• Slot 3: _________________________



• Slot 4: _________________________



• Slot 5: _________________________



• Slot 6: _________________________

Template 3: Time-Block Grid

Use a grid to map specific times to activities. Draw lines or fold paper into columns.

Time Activity

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: ___________________



9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: __________________



10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: ________________



11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: ________________



12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: __________________



1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: ___________________

Tip: Color-code similar activities or add Sample Visuals Templates icons for quick reference.

Reflection Exit Ticket

Name: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________

1. Which visual or schedule tool do you plan to introduce first at home and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. When and where will you implement this tool in your child’s routine?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What challenges might you face when using this tool, and how will you address them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How will you measure your child’s progress and determine if this tool is effective?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. What is one key takeaway from today’s session that you will remember moving forward?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Supporting Research Summary

Understanding the “why” behind visuals and schedules can help you feel confident when introducing these tools at home. Below is a concise overview of key research findings and practical implications.

1. Predictability Reduces Anxiety

• Research Insight: Studies show that clear visual cues and structured routines make daily tasks more predictable for children (Carr & Miller, 2016). Predictability is especially important for children who experience anxiety or have developmental differences, as it helps them anticipate what comes next and reduces stress.
• Practical Note: A consistent morning or bedtime schedule with picture icons can cut transition battles by up to 50% (O’Keefe et al., 2018).

2. Supports Independence and Self-Regulation

• Research Insight: Visual schedules empower children to manage tasks with less adult prompting (Hume, Loftin, & Lantz, 2009). By following a simple sequence of images or symbols, children practice planning, monitoring, and completing steps on their own.
• Practical Note: Children as young as 4 can learn to check off completed activities on their schedule, boosting their confidence and giving them a sense of accomplishment.

3. Improves Focus, Engagement, and Learning

• Research Insight: Visual supports reduce cognitive load by breaking routines into smaller, more manageable steps (Sweller, 2011). When children know exactly what to do, they stay on task longer and with fewer distractions.
• Practical Note: Incorporate color-coding or icons from Sample Visuals Templates to signal different activity types (e.g., green for play, blue for schoolwork).

4. Eases Communication and Behavior Transitions

• Research Insight: Visuals serve as a universal language for young children and those who struggle with verbal instructions (Ganz, 2007). They clarify expectations and minimize misunderstandings.
• Practical Note: Using a flip-chart schedule can help children visually “turn the page” to the next task, smoothing transitions from one activity to another.

Practical Implications for Your Home

1. Start Small: Introduce visuals in one routine first (e.g., morning routine) to build familiarity.
2. Customize for Your Child: Use photos of your child performing each step or simple line-drawn icons—choose what feels most meaningful.
3. Review Regularly: Take 2–3 minutes at the end of each day to revisit the schedule, celebrate successes, and adjust for tomorrow.

Key Takeaways

• Visuals and schedules make routines predictable, reducing anxiety and challenging behaviors.
• Children gain independence by following clear, step-by-step cues.
• Structured visuals enhance focus, engagement, and communication.
• Consistency and customization are crucial—adapt tools as your child grows and skills evolve.

Refer back to the strategies and templates in the Visuals & Schedules Lesson Plan and practice creating your first routine support today!

Implementation Journal

Use this journal to record your reflections, observations, and ideas as you introduce visuals and schedules at home. Return to this journal daily or weekly to track progress, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.

Entry Date: ____________________________

1. Tool Implemented

Which visual or schedule tool did you introduce today? Describe it briefly and explain why you chose this format or routine.

2. Child’s Response

How did your child react when you first used this tool? Note any verbal comments, gestures, or changes in behavior.

3. Successes & Wins

What positive outcomes did you observe? (e.g., smoother transitions, increased independence, reduced anxiety)

4. Challenges & Adjustments

What difficulties or unexpected issues arose? How might you adapt the visuals or schedule to address these challenges?

5. Next Steps

What specific changes or additions will you make before the next implementation? Consider consulting the Supporting Research Summary or revisiting your Sample Visuals Templates for inspiration.

Weekly Reflection (End of Week)

6. Overall Progress

Looking back over the week, what patterns do you notice in your child’s engagement and independence?

7. What Worked Best?

Which strategies or features of your visuals/schedules seemed most effective? Why?

8. What Will You Try Next?

Identify one new idea or adjustment you plan to test in the coming week. How will you involve your child in the process?

9. Reflection on Research & Practice

After using your tools for a week, how do your experiences align with the research insights in the Supporting Research Summary?

10. Celebration & Encouragement

Write one positive note to yourself or your child about the progress made so far. You might revisit your Reflection Exit Ticket to recall early goals.