Visual Schedule for Toddlers
Visual schedules are a wonderful way to set your day up for success. They give children a clear idea of what the sequence and expectations of the day are. For young children and children with special needs, this is highly important. I’ve found that showing my kids the plan for the day helps our day run more smoothly.
Today I’m excited to share with you my brand new visual schedule cards. And it’s a free printable! This was designed to use with toddlers, but would also be great for preschoolers, children with autism or SPD, and children with other special needs.
I love how these schedule cards turned out! I hired a friend to create the clip art for these cards so they are unique. There are 22 cards, along with blank cards that you can write or draw on.
Visual schedules are static, meaning they remain present after words are spoken. Children can refer to them to understand what is coming next in the day. Regular routines are learned more easily when it is represented visually.
How to use Visual Schedules:
I’m going to share a few ways to use visual schedules. This is to give you some ideas on how you could use the visual cards for your child. Since these cards are designed for young children, there are cards for things a typical toddler would do. There are blank cards that you can write or draw pictures on if you’d like to add something else to your day.
Visual Schedule on the Fridge
The first way is by placing a small magnet on the back of each card and then putting them on the magnetic surface of a refrigerator. Since they have a magnet, it makes it very easy to move the cards around.
You could place them in a straight line or make a couple rows.
Visual Schedule in a Pocket Chart
The next way is to use a pocket chart. Pocket charts are found in a lot of classrooms, so if you are a parent, you may not have one available to you. The pocket charts are nice because you can set the cards in the plastic pouch and move them around easily. This is one we have in our school room and it’s nice to have out so that my 3-year-old can see what we have going on for the day.
This pocket chart is from Apple to Zebra and we love how cute it is!
Visual Schedule in a Binder
I love the idea of using a binder and breaking down the day into 3 parts: morning, afternoon, evening. So for the morning, you would have the cards for what the morning routine looks like. For example, it may look like the following picture.
This type of schedule is helpful for children who get overwhelmed by looking at a complete schedule.
Visual Schedule on a Line
Lastly, I like to place a visual schedule on a line of wire with hooks to hang the cards. This wire line is from Ikea and we have it hung in our school room.
In all honesty, I created this schedule to help my youngest with our routine at home. He can have meltdowns when he doesn’t want to do what we have planned. He does much better when he knows what is going on. Since he can’t read yet, I decided to make this visual schedule for him. This helps him understand what to expect of the day. He loves to see it all! Most of the days, we have the same things going on, but sometimes we add in an appointment or a play date.
If you are also interested in using a visual schedule, I’d love for you to use my free printable! All you need to do is sign up for my weekly newsletter, and then it will be sent to you right away. Make sure to check your spam folder in case the email got sent there.
I’d love to know…who are you going to use this visual schedule with?
I’m using these with my autistic 3 year old daughter. Hoping it will help with transitioning from one activity to another.
Thanks a bunch!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful cards. I am going to be using these with my 4 yeast old. Since we ate stuck at home for awhile I need her to be on a routine. The visuals will make it fun and easy for her to see what is in store for her through the day.
I love these thank your for sharing. I have a question is there anyway to get the last page of the blank squares in an unlocked version to add other things? Thanks just wanted to ask, I can’t wait to start using these with my son. I love the pictures thanks
You’re welcome! I’ll send you an email 🙂
This is amazing! I have been looking for a visual schedule for my little girl while we are home in qurintine. I can’t thank you enough for sharing!
My LO would love this as he gets super anxious if he can’t see his schedule. I have subscribed but haven’t received the email. please help. many thanks
I’m so sorry! I’ll send you an email with it.
I’m excited about the printable picture schedule. I plan to us it with my SPED Kindergartener who struggles verbally. A picture schedule was recommended by her speech therapist. I think it will especially be helpful as we are trying to establish new routines for learning from home while school is out. Thank you!
Thank you so much. My husband will be happy because you included “Bible Time”. 🙂
I cannot seem to find the free printable for the visual schedule for toddlers… am I missing something? I would absolutely love these as my son would totally benefit from these.
I’m sorry! I will email it to you.
I would like to share this schedule with parents of preschool students with disabilities. They are now doing e-learning and would benefit from a schedule at home. Is there any way I can share without all having to input their e-mail? Any help you are able to provide would be appreciated as we embark on eLearning for an indefinite amount of time.
Thanks!
Yes! Since this is a time of crisis, I give you permission to email the parents the PDF. You can add it as an attachment to the email. Hope this helps!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
My granddaughter is looking forward to using these.
I havent gotten anything yet there is nothing in my spam folder either.
i even tried twice in the subscribe area.. im already subscribed because i got an email from you concerning this.
I just sent it to you! I’m sorry!