With the new school year starting, many teachers are looking for ways to improve their classroom routines and procedures for a smoother year. Things like classroom management systems and classroom job charts are great for helping students understand what to expect, behavior guidelines, and how they are expected to contribute to the classroom community during the year.
Classroom visual schedules are also great for helping students understand what to expect which leads to a smoother transition. When I was in the classroom, a large visual schedule was a must.
What does a visual schedule do?
Visual schedules are schedules of your day that are created with a visual element to help communicate to students the sequence of events for the day. This is especially beneficial to students who struggle to read. They will be able to find out for themselves where and when they will be doing activities.
Why are visual schedules helpful?
As teachers, we have likely all experienced situations where students struggled with transitions. Having a schedule so that students can see for themselves what the plan is for the day is empowering. It allows them to understand what is coming up next so they can manage and predict their own day independently because it helps them understand time.
This means they don’t feel the need to repeatedly ask what they’re doing next. It also helps keep you on track when things get a little hectic. If a student is still struggling, you can allow them to hold the card while transitioning to ease their stress.
How do I make a visual schedule?
Teachers are busy people. They don’t all have time to create custom visual schedules for their classrooms, and that’s okay! You can easily find a great visual schedule template or visual schedule printables that you can easily edit and use in your classroom. There are tons of options online if you simply search around.
If you’re looking for the perfect visual schedule template for your elementary classroom, make sure to check out this Boho Visual Classroom Schedule Resource!
This editable Boho style Powerpoint is easy to use and perfect for a boho-themed classroom. Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move your schedule around.
What is in this download?
- 50 Editable PowerPoint Slides (*Make sure you have PowerPoint)
- BOHO Rainbow with Clocks (moveable hands and text boxes provided) Also, without clocks.
- Cursive and Print for Intermediate or Primary Classrooms
- Blank Cards
- 2 Editable Individual Daily Schedule Cards
- Directions with Suggested Fonts
- Pictures Cards include ( A+, apple, backpack, chalkboard, books, bell, lunch, milk, glue, globe, clock, crayons, owl, grad hat, paint pallet, paintbrush, bookworm, bus, pencil, pen, check, bell, stars, scissors, beaker, music, paper airplane, protractor, data journal, music, magnets, locker, glasses, light bulb, ruler, flask, heart, sun, tent, music notes, tie, flashlight, plant, tie, test tube)
For even more visual schedule options, check out my post from last week here!
What are your favorite ways to help students transition? Let me know in the comments!