One of the supports listed in my son’s IEP is the use of a visual schedule. Although it took almost two weeks, this is now in place and it is working beautifully. The SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) actually made a different one for each of the five cycle days; here is one of them:
Each schedule is laminated and has a column to check off each activity as it is completed, using a wax crayon that can be wiped off later. And Michael’s favorite part is the extra column for writing in any changes for that day.
After seeing how much better things are going with the daily schedule in place, his SLP is recommending that each of the specials teachers give him a written mini-schedule when he enters their class. These would not be as fancy, of course, but I think they will really help him.
So even though the year got off to a bit of a rough start, we are definitely going in the right direction now. And as different situations arise, I am starting my wish list for next year. 
Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.
[...] seeing what Michael’s visual schedule for kindergarten looks like, I have it posted over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs [...]
I think most everyone got off on a rocky start this school year. I thank my lucky stars that this is the LAST year I have to deal with the public school system. Next year comes college! LOL! That should be a hoot!
A visual schedule is a must for our kids. I’m so glad you got yours going and it’s working out great!
My husband and I were just talking this morning about the differences in how Jacob behaves and performs in the classroom vs how he does while at home. Even though our mornings are very regimented, Jacob still has a difficult time transitioning from one activity to another. I told my husband perhaps a “to do” list of things he can check off would make our mornings run more smoothly. I’ll have to implement one and see how it works out!
Absolutely fabulous idea for kids with special needs or not! Thanks for sharing!!
@Amazing Grace – college seems so far away, but I’m sure it will be here before I know it!
@Lis – I hope he likes it. Soon enough, the words “check your schedule” will be flowing out of your mouth.
@Heidi – glad you liked it!
This is fantastic!! In the past I’ve done picture schedules with velcro, and I kept thinking that would get expensive and bulky for every day of Timothy’s kindergarten week. This is exactly what I’ve been needing! Thank you!!
@Alicia – I am so glad this came at a good time for you. Velcro is nice, but expensive.
Ricki has a schuedule–helps a lot– did for each day on the computer, than photocopied it. Each page doubles as a communication sheet with the teacher.