Super Star Schedules-- Individual Schedules

Interactive schedules provide students with clear expectations and a structure that allows the student to anticipate what will happen next, reduce anxiety by providing the student with a vision of his/her day and promote calmness between transitions. An interactive schedule is a visual communication tool that clarifies where the student should be.  Even if you feel like the student knows the routine, it is a tool that the student can fall back on during times of confusion or anxiety. The consistency provided by an interactive schedule is crucial in establishing an atmosphere of trust and security. If there are going to be changes in the routine, it serves as a visual tool to prime the student.  The use of a schedule can also provide motivation to work through a less preferred activity knowing a preferred activity is to follow. Today's Super Star Schedules focuses on Individual Interactive Visual Schedules. These can be stationary or portable and can be done for each individual in a classroom or one student who needs more structure or support with transitions. 

An interactive schedule can look very different depending on the needs of the student.  It can include objects, picture icons, or words depending on the student's reading comprehension level. Regardless of the style of the schedule, it is important that the student is interacting with the schedule.  If it is just posted on the wall or lost in a desk, the student may not connect with it.  Encourage the student to interact with the schedule regularly by having them move each picture into a “finished” area or put a check next to each event as it is completed.

Object Schedules
If a student struggles with understanding pictures or words, an object schedule may be a good support. This can also be helpful for students with visual impairments. For more information on deciding if object schedules would be best for your student visit here: Autism Classroom Resources How to Make and Use Object Schedules 

Lindsey Woods
Fairborn Primary, Fairborn

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Wall Schedules
When a student spends a majority of their day in one location, their individual schedule can be stationary on the wall of the classroom so the student has a consistent place to check their schedule.

Darlene Hays & Andrew Krickenbarger
Anthony Wayne Preschool, Darke Co. ESC

Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum

Therese Garison
Helke Elementary, Vandalia

Carrie Prickett
Jane Chance Elementary, Miamisburg

Mandy Whitfield
Montgomery County ESC-East

Christine Scarborough
Tecumseh Elementary, Xenia

Laura Brown
Perrin Woods Elementary, Springfield

Angela Crum
Parkwood Elementary, Beavercreek

Desk Schedules
For some students, a smaller desk schedule is appropriate. This can be especially helpful if the student struggles with transitioning from the stationary schedule location back to their desk to begin the assigned activity.

Megan Kelly
Beavertown Elementary, Kettering

Alisa Hartlage
Northridge Elementary, Northeastern

Angie Kleinhans
Stebbins High School, Mad River

Portable Schedules
When a student transitions out of the classroom often for related service, specials, inclusion, lunch, recess, etc. it may be best to provide them with a portable schedule that they can take with them to help them better understand where they will be going next. There are a variety of portable options including:

binders

Mindy McDaniel
Considerate Classroom

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

folders

Kathy Timmerman
Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek

Lindsey Woods
Fairborn Primary, Fairborn

file folders

Ashley Watson
Trotwood ELC, Trotwood

Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum

Margaux Mayhew
Rosa Parks ELC, Dayton

laminated sheets

Laurie Maravetz
Schaefer Middle School, Springfield

Laura Spradlin
Valley Forge Elementary, Huber Heights

 or even binder pouches

Bobbi Jo Chapman
Snyder Park Elementary, Springfield