Super Star Schedules-- Location-Based Interactive Schedules

We LOVE schedules! They are an incredibly effective visual support when used purposefully and consistently. Students often respond well to schedules because they are organizing and calming because they know what to expect and don't need to worry about what the day may bring. We think schedules are such an important support that we are starting a new series dedicated to bringing our readers all the best schedules we can find throughout the Miami Valley! Presenting Super Star Schedules!

Today's Super Star Schedules will focus on Location-Based Interactive Schedules.


Why should schedules be interactive?
In our experience, it is important that schedules are interactive for students with autism and other disabilities because then they develop a better connection between what is listed on their schedule and the activities they complete throughout the school day. Additionally, for many students seeing the items on their schedule "go away" and seeing the day progress closer to when it is time to go home can be very motivating.


What are Location-Based Schedules?
Location-based schedules typically involve an individual schedule for the student with pictures and/or words that correspond to a location within the classroom or school environment. When it is time to transition, the student takes the schedule card off of their individual schedule and take it to location to physically match it to the corresponding picture.


When should I use Location-Based Schedules?
Location-Based schedules are a great support for students who struggle with transitions. It helps them know exactly where they need to go and gives them the "job" of matching the schedule picture to the location which often reduces the likelihood of wandering or eloping. Location-Based schedules are also an excellent class-wide support when you have students who are all going to different locations at a given time.


Check out these great schedules we have found:

This schedule is made using a laminated file folder with the ends cut off. The front is for the morning activities and the back has all of the afternoon activities.

Taylor Ruef
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

There are tons of great options for location pictures. Many times, these are bigger than the individual schedule icons. A strip of velcro is an easy way to provide a place for students to place their schedule icons.

Medlar View Elementary, Miamisburg

Jessica Burns
Demmitt Elementary Preschool, Vandalia

Christine Scarborough
Tecumseh Elementary, Xenia

We love this creative reuse of a chip container!

Deanna Mullins
Kiser PK-8, Dayton

And these foam puzzle pieces are great for students who need a tactile option.

Fairborn Intermediate, Fairborn

For some students, abstract icons can be used such as colored shapes. 

                      

Traci Parker
Forest Elementary, Troy

We love this great use of a plastic frame!

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

These color coded schedules make it easy to organize schedule pieces for resetting schedules at the end of the day. And we love the simple icon with velcro strip at the corresponding location!

Pandy Pugh
Indian Riffle Elementary, Kettering

These are great options for individual student schedules using a clipboard or a plastic color-coded folder. In this classroom, students place their schedule icons in the corresponding location pockets. 

Jennifer McGowan

Smith Middle School, Vandalia

Sometimes related service personnel may need to change the location in which they provide service. In these cases, you can use a photograph of the person for students to match their schedule card to.

Deanna Mullins

Kiser PK-8, Dayton

Location-Based Interactive Schedules can also be differentiated based on the student needs. We love how this teacher modified the presentation between single icon, full day pictures, and full day words based on her students' needs. 

Brittany Sword
Valley Elementary, Beavercreek

There are so many options when implementing a location-based interactive schedule!