Using Visual Schedule (at home/during holidays) 

When a child is away from kindergarten or school, it may be challenging for them during school holidays without a routine or what they will be doing during the day. Using visual schedules can help with communication and behaviors. 

Children may be comfortable with having an individual communicate what they are doing and at what time. Without this some children may find it challenging to be at home during holidays without having a plan of what they are doing. With visual schedules we can give our children a positive environment to; communicate what they want to do (pointing to a visual – books, bubbles), know what they are doing throughout the day, and reduce frustrations in the home.

With the presentation of a visual schedule beginning in the morning, we are communicating with the child what we are doing today. With the first visual (picture) can present “breakfast” (food) displaying to the child that the first activity we are doing today is eating. Following that, below the “breakfast” (food) visual, we can display “inside play”, when doing this activity we may present one activity to begin with (blocks, favourite toy, bubbles). Following this, our third visual (picture) can display “outside play”. This means any play that can be done outside (swing set, running, playing with balls). 

All kids have different levels of understanding. It is important to use the visual schedule appropriate to the child. Younger children may use a 2 or 1 activity schedule (breakfast then inside play), doing this will provide the best way that the child understands to make this achievable for them.

Throughout the day we are displaying our visual schedule to the child (in their eye view). “We are doing inside play with blocks for 5 more minutes, then outside play”, we can use language such as this when showing our schedule to the child so they can visually see the schedule and also have verbal communication when we are stopping one activity and moving on with another. Having and communicating a schedule to the child can help with calming their emotions while being at home for the holidays!

Consistency will also help with our visual schedules. Presenting and using visual schedules in daily routines will help children recognise the pattern of daily usage. This will help them feel calmer as they know what to expect during holiday time/time at home. 

Overall, presenting a visual schedule in the home helps with communication and expectation in the home. When visually showing and communicating with a child using the schedule, builds further trust and consistency in the home. Understanding schedules and how to show them to children is a great way to have smoother daily living.