Visual Schedules: The Secret Weapon for Calm Mornings and Happy Kids
- MTE Staff
- May 28
- 2 min read
Elise Marie Pagel, a bilingual (Spanish/English) pediatric occupational therapist serving Summit County, Colorado. She is an Explorium Children's Museum member and volunteer contributing to the reimagination of the childern's museum. You can learn more about her work at her website, https://www.elisemarieot.com/
Using a visual schedule can add ease and organization to your family's busy morning and evening routines. The consistency and predictability gained from using a visual schedule supports emotional regulation, and may lead to fewer meltdowns over getting dressed and out the door! Visual routines support many areas of child development including language and executive functioning skills. They can be helpful when introducing new skills and responsibilities, or just to make those daily routines and transitions a little easier for the whole family.
Impacts on child development:
Increase planning and organization skills
Teach time management
Improve independence during routine
Provide context for language development
Support sensory regulation and self-awareness
Tips for using your visual schedule:
Increase independence by allowing your child to choose the order of the routine and move the icons when finished with each task.
Simplicity is your friend: 4-5 steps maximum
Add new steps or responsibilities one at a time to avoid overwhelm
Keep it consistent one day to the next
Include time for connection with your child (reading books, playing a favorite a game, or eating together)
Visual Schedules
Task Chart: Print the linked task chart. Work with your child to decide which tasks to cut out and include on your daily task chart. You can laminate the various tasks and add magnets or velcro stickers
Schedules: Print out the schedules or create your own. You can laminate and add Velcro or magnets to easily use them each day with your child.
Princess Themed - Morning & Bedtime
Mermaid Themed - Morning & Bedtime
Questions or want to learn more? Visit www.elisemarieot.com and reach out to Elise with any questions or to schedule an evaluation.
