Around Town Round Up-- Behavior Visual Cues

Using visual cues to redirect students are an effective behavior management strategy that we have seen in many of the classrooms we coach. Today we have gathered a variety of examples and tips in our Around Town Round Up to help you implement this great support in your classroom. 

Why use behavior visual cues?

• A visual cue is a great way to provide your students with redirection without interrupting the rest of your class.
• Many students are better able to process visual information more quickly and effectively than auditory information. 
• Verbal directions can sometimes increase a student’s level of anxiety.
• Verbal directions can lead some students to engage in argumentative behavior.
• Visual cues are static. They do not change when you need to reprompt which communicates a clear message to students. 
• Using consistent visual cues across all staff members clearly communicates behavioral expectations throughout the day.

Types of Behavior Visual Cues

There are many ways to present visual cues. It is important that each cue is directly taught so that students know exactly what is expected. 

Visual Cue Ring

A visual cue ring is a collection of visual cues that are frequently used with a particular student. 

Cue rings can be stored on a lanyard, retractable badge holder, or bracelet for portability and quick access in the moment. 

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Behavior Cue Posters

Some classrooms use large posters that can be referenced throughout the day. Posters can be used to direct many students at once and can be posted individually, in a binder, or on a ring. 

Jody Chick
Yellow Springs High School, Yellow Springs

Angela Crum
Parkwood Elementary, Beavercreek

Desk Cues
When cues are only being used with one student, it can be helpful to have the cues located on their desk. When needed, staff can point to the behavior cue for the student.

Taylor Ruef
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

We love the example below because the cues can be covered when not in use and then shown to the student when needed to reduce visual clutter and emphasize the importance in the moment.

Tips for Creating Visual Cues

• When organizing a set of visual cues, use tabs to make it easier to find the visual you are looking for in the moment. 

Laurie Maravetz
Schaefer Middle School, Springfield

Jennifer McGowan
Smith Middle School, Vandalia

• Put a contrasting border around the cue to draw the eye to it. 

Laura Brown
Perrin Woods Elementary, Springfield

• Avoid using pictures that tell the student what NOT to do ("no hitting", "no running") and use pictures that tell them what to do instead ("hands on lap", "walk").

• Use the cues for positive feedback or directions for preferred activities so that the student does not only associate it with negative feedback.

• To determine what behavior cues to create visuals for, keep a list of phrases and redirections that are frequently repeated. 

• For older students, use written cues on post-it notes or portable dry erase boards. This can be done more subtly for those students who are sensitive to having supports that stand out with peers. 

Jennifer Jette
Vandalia Butler High School, Vandalia

Free behavior visual cues can be found at Victories n' Autism or on our Boardmaker Online Group page.