A few weeks ago I posted this little picture on my Instagram. You might have seen it. A student of mine desperately needed a visual schedule on her desk and I (being a lover of all things providing closure such as check marks), created this tabbed schedule so she could easily close the tasks as they were completed.
I was completely blown away by so many of you asking for one to use with your own students! I guess I shouldn’t have been though, right? I mean, as educators, we ALL love routine, closure and simplicity. I honestly couldn’t function without my many checklists letting me know the next to-do on my list! It’s the same with our students-maybe even more so. And this doesn’t just include students with special needs. ALL students benefit from a visual routine and having a sense of order throughout the day.
There was one issue that was bugging me though with the schedule above. It couldn’t be altered. For students who had more fluid schedules such as speech therapy on Thursdays instead of science class or an assembly instead of math class on Friday, this proved a problem.
After a lot of thought, tweaks, and trying it out with my own students, I think I ironed out all the kinks and have a visual schedule that comes pretty close to perfect, or at least I think so 🙂
Here’s Why:
♥Easily provides closure to tasks by fully closing over them and stating “FINISHED.”
♥Easily allows for swiping out tasks when unusual events occur such as assemblies
♥Comes with 30 tasks and also the ability to fully customize your own schedule
♥Includes both a Whole-Class Schedule, as well as Individual Desk Schedules
I listed it in my store for $4 simply because of the sheer amount of time I put into making it “just right.” It comes with the original Classroom and Individual Schedules and also the ability to fully customize the schedule with your own pictures and words in Adobe Reader.
Feel free to Pin the Image Below and comment on the bottom of this post on why you like visual schedules!
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Jenna says
November 1, 2016 at 1:14 amVisual schedules take that anxiety about whats coming next away. I even use them with my son at home so that he knows what to expect since he’s too little to understand time concepts yet!
Lindsay Parker-Klimpel says
November 1, 2016 at 1:17 amMy students would totally benefit from this– and our schedule does change frequently! I’d love to try it out!
Denise says
November 1, 2016 at 1:18 amI love visual schedules because they keep all kids on track. Visuals let kids know what is expected, how to complete a task, what to do and when to do it. My new teachers always are surprised how well my ASD students respond to visuals. I also love to use them with kids who have the ADHD diagnosis because it keeps them focused.
Judy Hale says
November 1, 2016 at 1:45 amPinned to my ‘Organization’ file on Pinterest! My school has two Special Day Classes, and the students rely on visual schedules. These are so nice and would also be good for students who are ‘included’ in general education classes, or for any students that may have some anxiety about what’s coming up. Since they are customizable, would also be good for things like field trips. What a great resource!
Kellie says
November 1, 2016 at 1:45 amI love visual schedules. The world makes more sense to my students when we use them!
Marilyn says
November 1, 2016 at 2:17 amI love this!! I have so many kiddos who would benefit from your schedule. Littles who need to see what’s coming next and/or how close he/she is to their reinforcement activity. Big ones who always want to know “what will we do when we finish”. I love the flexibility of this one!! Also, Pinterest name is mawoods if you need to that 🙂
Lisa says
November 1, 2016 at 2:18 amI LOVE visual schedules! They help create independence for students and provide an extra sense of structure for those who need it. This visual schedule is fantastic. I pinned it twice 😉 – under my Resources and Autism page. Both made sense to me.
Sharon Harkins says
November 1, 2016 at 2:27 amMy students from kindergarten through fifth would benefit from using visual schedules in the classroom especially those students who have difficulty remaining focused and on task.
Stacie says
November 1, 2016 at 4:46 amGreat post! I love visual schedules, predictability + structure = decrease in undesirable behaviours!
Anne says
November 1, 2016 at 10:55 amI love how simple this is. It’s a perfect size and so easily customized to each student!
Andrea Manz says
November 1, 2016 at 12:24 pmVisual schedules are great for managing behaviors by reminding students what task we’re working on and keeping their minds on the task 🙂 And of course they’re a must in special education classrooms. I love how you can change these up! Thanks!
ADSLP says
November 1, 2016 at 12:33 pmI love making something that both the teachers and students find helpful! Colorful schedules are even more fun! I have so many students that use visual schedules, working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. This is a clear and concise way to explain routines!
Janna says
November 1, 2016 at 2:15 pmI truly love a visual schedule to keep my students on track. This schedule rocks because it is all together, one piece. I have struggled in the past with this. The ones I have created have been too bundle-some or have too many pieces. I also love that it is customizable. This one is great!
Jen K says
November 1, 2016 at 4:59 pmI love visual schedules as it is a great way to help students with executive functioning difficulties. I am a very organized person, so I love how they can help my students keep organized and know what to expect next in their classroom. I like to use classroom visuals, individual visuals and mini-task visuals as well.
Adi says
November 1, 2016 at 5:39 pmThis is wonderful! I love using visual schedules for therapy sessions to keep kids on task and motivated. I feel like I don’t have to negotiate verbally as much to get through work tasks. Instead I just reference the schedule: “look, first we have to work, and then we can do ___.”
Adi says
November 1, 2016 at 5:40 pmPinterest name: deedles55
Lindsay Ring says
November 2, 2016 at 12:38 amI have a kindergarten student who has a lot of trouble transitioning to tasks. I made my own visual schedule for him for in therapy but I think the teacher would appreciate this so much for him to use throughout the day! And I could even use the ‘desk version’ for in therapy! This is great!
Carrie says
November 2, 2016 at 10:41 amVisual schedules are so helpful for students with anxiety or off task students!
Audrey says
November 2, 2016 at 9:41 pmThe visual schedules help my toddler with severely delayed speech to be able to follow a schedule and expect what’s next. If she doesn’t know what’s coming, she sometimes becomes frustrated for lack of understanding. These help her to understand, expect and follow a routine. It helps tremendously!
Elizabeth says
November 3, 2016 at 12:03 amI am such a task oriented person and have a lot of kids who could benefit from this! Amazing!!
Terry says
November 3, 2016 at 2:27 amI love this!
Jennifer Lewis says
November 3, 2016 at 5:55 pmTHEY ARE FABULOUS!
Katrina Kinnison says
November 7, 2016 at 10:14 pmthis is timely for me. I have so many students who need more of a visual schedule than what is currently provided within the classroom. they have one during their daily 5 time, but not for the rest of the school day. I especially like the idea of folding over an activity that won’t occur on a particular day.
Katrina Kinnison says
November 7, 2016 at 10:16 pmI pinned to my pin board ‘school speech/language ideas’
Nicole Allison says
November 8, 2016 at 7:19 pmHi Katrina,
You win! I’ll be sending the schedule to you shortly!
Sarah says
November 8, 2016 at 6:33 pmPerfect for many ages!
Jada Smith says
November 12, 2016 at 7:05 amThis js awesome because I’ve been making and revamping visual schedules for months, no, years! They can really help students’ daily success and help them reach their goals! What a great resource! 🙂
Stefanie Anastasia says
November 12, 2016 at 8:09 pmI have so many little ones (prek) who need visual schedules to keep their day organized and flowing. While there IS a big one at the front of the room – I’ve always wished I could put smaller ones for more of them in different places just for them – but have run into – you know – time issues. This one would be WONDERFUL!!!!!
Jessica Zearfoss says
January 2, 2017 at 6:10 pmAs a new teacher coming into a class mid year will be challenging, visual schedules will help keep the students consistent as well as allowing me to check off each area and insure we are hitting everything we are supposed to,
Tracey says
January 9, 2017 at 8:24 amAs a mum I am always trying to find new ways of providing my daughter visual schedules that I can use at home and that her teacher can use at school. This schedule looks fab and I love the way my daughter can fold down the items when completed. It will give her a great sense of achievement throughout her day and keep her on task and motivated!
linda says
January 17, 2017 at 4:03 amIt is beautiful for my class!
Stacy Pearson says
January 22, 2017 at 10:37 pmThis would be very helpful for a few of my students that need that visual.
Lori says
February 1, 2017 at 2:21 amThis is perfect for my check list obsessed kiddo! And provides flexibility for every day
Kristen says
February 11, 2017 at 5:59 pmThis is the first time I’m seeing a schedule like this. I think it’s awesome that you can “check off” each part of the day. As a future teacher this is definitely something I will have in my toolbox. Thank you for taking the time to create stuff like this. I will be sharing this with my professors.
Sheena says
February 14, 2017 at 12:42 pmI teach in an ICT class and this visual would greatly help some of my struggling students stay on task and know whats coming next.
Jaci says
April 5, 2017 at 9:45 pmDaily, Weekly, Monthly, 3-6 Monthly and Yearly home schedule routine. (Home Cleaning schedule!)
Megan Klein says
April 6, 2017 at 1:17 pmI have a student who has a visual schedule IEP goal. This would work great for him!
Bea says
April 15, 2017 at 11:58 amThis is exactly what I was looking for for one of my students. Thanks for sharing.
Ana says
May 21, 2017 at 7:14 amI think is a fantastic idea to introduce in class because it helps all students to be focused on tasks!
Naomi says
June 19, 2017 at 7:42 pmThis looks perfect for my homeschool, my children can be less reliant on me!
Well done!
Juanita Pritchard says
June 24, 2017 at 8:30 pmI really like the way they close when the task is finished. My students work better with the finished component but pieces were always getting lost with the “finished” envelope or cup at the bottom. Lots of work and a very good price. I’d love a free copy.
Maeve says
July 3, 2017 at 11:04 pmI am about to have a class which includes 4 children who could really benefit from this. It looks fit for purpose and easy to use
Edinnette Rosario says
August 1, 2017 at 2:47 pmEven adults need to be organized and to know what’s next. If I don’t have my agenda, cellphone, calendar, and post its, I’m lost. So it’s perfect for kiddos and the fact that we can customize it, it’s amazing!! BAZINGAAAA
Lindsey Harkins says
August 1, 2017 at 6:52 pmPinned to my Speech Board:). I LOVE a good visual schedule. I have seen great success with transitions for a particular student when implementing a visual schedule for his day. It use to be an all out fight to get him to go from his classroom to music, PE, art or library, as well as to get him from his classroom or the special education room to and from speech. What a life saver the visual schedule was, but I LOVE this set up even more with the ability to flip the task to finished instead of simply pulling the picture off a velcro strip. Thanks for creating the perfect one:)
Odie says
August 2, 2017 at 3:22 amVisual schedules give students a sense of order and help decrease anxiety over the “unknown” of what happens next. I really like using classroom/therapy room visual schedules and individual visual schedules for those students who need the additional specific structure for specific activities they are completing. I absolutely love the “flap” closure idea! So much more effective in understanding the “finished” concept (like closing a door or a drawer) as opposed to the usual of removing an icon for the completed activity or moving it to the finished side of the schedule board. Thanks for sharing your terrific idea!!
Odie says
August 2, 2017 at 3:26 amOh, I forgot to say that I pinned it to 2 different boards on my page: Speech and PK Therapy/Teaching.
Thanks again!
Jennifer Noxsel says
August 4, 2017 at 2:15 pmCan’t wait to try this! I like the flexibility, and the way flaps are used. Visual schedules help my students at all ability levels organize and sequence tasks. They also get that feeling of accomplishment when tasks are completed. A very BIG thank you!
Jennifer Dodd says
August 4, 2017 at 4:12 pmLove visuals but they can be so time consuming to make. I have so many kids I know I should use them even within my therapy but also in the class. You are so great to make this and it be so flexible, too.
Michelle says
August 8, 2017 at 8:10 amI have a giant class of preschool this year with a few I suspect are on the spectrum. I think in order to have a smooth day and lessen the power struggle a visual of when they are able to have to have free play and what must be accomplished first will help our day go smoother.
Megan Doyle says
August 8, 2017 at 9:33 pmI am a new special education teacher and I have seen so many students struggle because they don’t have a schedule in front of them. I think if the students have a picture schedule in front of them they will become less anxious and more involved in their learning. The schedules lets the students see what they have finished and what they still have to complete. It helps the students become very organized.
Megan Doyle says
August 8, 2017 at 9:34 pmPinned to my education board where I put everything that inspires me.
Jennifer says
August 11, 2017 at 1:12 amI am so excited for this and can’t wait to use it at work!
Christina says
August 12, 2017 at 1:56 pmI have been looking for a way to use a visual schedule in my PreK classroom for a while. This is the first one I’ve seen that actually lets kids know when one task is finished. I love it, and can’t wait to use it this year!
Stephanie says
August 13, 2017 at 12:22 pmI will have a non English speaking student this year and a child with autism and this schedule will be so perfect for both of them. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.
Anna W. says
August 20, 2017 at 9:28 pmPicture schedule’s keep students on track. They communicate what is expected of each student. Picture schedules lessen student anxiety.
Lynne says
August 22, 2017 at 10:40 amWhy I would like a copy? It is as fab resources and I like the way the activity is no longer visible. I think this will help to confirm to the student that the activity has been completed,
Shawnna says
August 23, 2017 at 2:52 pmWhere can I order this schedule? Love It!!
Nicole Allison says
August 28, 2017 at 11:38 pmHere’s the link to it! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-VERY-Visual-Schedule-2856131
Kate Curtis says
September 28, 2017 at 3:25 pmI have been told to use a visual timetable and each time I have tried to create my own it has got slightly better, but this seems the best by far. I love the way the tasks are easy to change and easy to ‘finish’.
Ines Payan says
November 6, 2017 at 2:48 amVisual schedules are important because not all students and/or people learn the same. Some students are more visual, some more hands on, etc. It is always important to be able to provide every student with material that fits their needs; an “average” student does not exist.
Sarah Bovee says
November 11, 2017 at 4:43 amI use visual schedules with a student in my 4 year old classroom who struggles to transition, focus, have a clam body and make it throughout the morning. It helps him to know when breaks are coming and breaks the day up.
Angela says
November 17, 2017 at 5:01 amLove this idea. I am beginning to work with an autistic student this would be awesome for.
Marianne says
December 31, 2017 at 12:10 pmNo matter how consistent our routine is, my students with autism are always taken by surprise at some point in the day- which of course leads to a meltdown. One of them is always very unhappy when it is time to go home. I think this might be just the thing to really keep them in tune with where we are in our daily schedule!
Jennifer says
January 15, 2018 at 6:01 amI love visual schedules because I am a special ed. teacher and my students benefit from being able to see what it is that they are doing next. When they see it, they understand. I also believe a picture is worth a thousand words. For those with ADHD, like my own children a simple picture cuts through the chaos in their brain and helps them to stay on track. Seeing is quicker than reading and is better absorbed. It also helps with motivation and anxiety because they can picture themselves doing the next thing. It removes the abstract and makes it more concrete. I pinned this wonderful schedule to my pinterest board “Special ed. Classroom Organization.”
Jennifer says
March 2, 2018 at 3:59 amVisual schedules have really helped out so many of myself students. From kiddos with special needs to kiddos that simply need support with 1 to 2 step directions.
M Cooper says
March 28, 2018 at 1:44 amI need this. I am a typical overwhelmed teacher and first time mama so scatter-brained doesn’t begin to describe me at times! I am a visual learner and have many students who are as well. I would love to use this starting asap
Esther says
April 9, 2018 at 1:49 pmThis is awesome! So simple and fun ! have been looking for a way to use a visual schedule in my homeschool and this I what I wanted to ! Thank you for doing this!
Tracey says
April 13, 2018 at 4:20 pmVisual schedules work great for students that are on the Autism Spectrum.
Francine M Ingraham says
May 13, 2018 at 4:00 pmSchedules are important because it helps people what to expect next. This schedule is a great idea because the students have closure by putting the finished sign on it!
Evy says
July 17, 2018 at 10:12 pmI am new to homeschool and desperately looking for new visual schedules. I want to help my daughter with autism, organize her life day by day. socially and academically. I know now this is the way to go. Visual Schedules also help her be more calm. Yours is the best I have seen. Thank you.
Jodi K. Caldwell Green says
August 4, 2018 at 10:02 pmThis is wonderful because my students can immediately signify when each activity is completed and my para and I only need to change the students activities daily and if the student is independent enough we can train them to set up their schedule for the next day.