Have you ever heard of using a picture schedule with children? Picture schedules are a wonderful parenting tool! This article covers how to conquer routines and keep your children on task!
Most families have routines or schedules they follow. Sometimes these routines are overwhelming, especially when directing several children, of varying ages, at the same time.
In child care we utilized picture cues with the children. Visual schedules helped each child know what to do and in what order. It’s also a fabulous tool for children who are forgetful or who get easily distracted.
How to create and use a picture schedule with children. #parenting Share on X
One day, while encouraging my own children to get ready to go outside, I realized that they were getting confused and lost in the process. My youngest daughter put on her boots before her snow pants and then got frustrated that she had to take off her boots to put her snow pants on.
It was then that I realized that I could use the transitional tool of visual cues with my children! The picture schedule I chose to make was a dressing chart.
Making a chart is quite simple:
- First, I took a picture of each item of clothing.
- Next, put it into a collage format on PicMonkey (but you can simply shrink the photos and put them into a regular document or use another photo editing tool).
- I numbered each of the steps (make sure to use a clear, easy-to-read font).
- I printed it out and laminated the chart (use a great laminator like this one).
- Lastly, I hung the collage on the wall just inside the closet doors
You’ll need to demonstrate the use of the chart the first few times (i.e. point at the number one and tell them to put on their hoodie, then point to number two and tell them to put on their snow pants, etc.). However, after practicing this process a few times, your children will follow the picture schedule with ease!
Obviously picture cues can be used to navigate a variety of routines and schedules.
A bedtime schedule could consist of: a picture of a tub, then PJs, a photo of a toothbrush, followed by the image of a book, and then their bed.
A dinner schedule might show a picture of hand washing, followed by a plate, then the dishwasher, then another picture of hand washing.
If you don’t have the time to make a personalized picture schedule, there are complete picture schedule kits that you can purchase and customize to fit your family’s needs.
Picture schedules help children assert their independence, they help parents accomplish routine objectives, and they are also a learning tool, as they expose children to print and numeracy!
As you can see, there are many benefits to using picture schedules with children and the possibilities are unlimited!
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That is such a great idea! I bet it is a constant learning experience for you when trying to figure out how your kids learn best and adapt to accommodate them. You do such a great job of that!
Thanks so much Tammy! I feel very blessed to have my education and experience to draw upon when parenting and teaching my girls.
This is so clever! I love that you can apply your great deal of knowledge and experience as a child care provider in your mom life with your own kids. I want to save this concept for Dylan when he gets a little bit older…but right now I’m wondering aside from getting dressed, what other steps can I use this for? I bet there are a million!
You can make this for his bedtime routine and eating time!
You could even introduce this for playing time. Simply have a “schedule” showing a ball in a bowl (#1) and then the ball in a box (#2). After some “practice” you can incorporate more steps (a ball under a blanket), etc.
Glad you enjoyed this!
Helpful post espesially for tjhe firsttime moms. l remember making pictiure schedules for morning ABD also afternoon hours..Aria used to get his bike out of the garage himself and call me ‘mom Cole on bike ti,e
Just started to use a new tablet.I thought usig a tablet would be easier though :) Not really- yet! I would say my son Aria used to call me and remids me “mom it is bike time” :) Picture schedule works great!
Have a great day,Jennifer.
Yes we love our picture schedule. It works great! Wishing you a lovely day too!
what a great idea!! I think i will be doing this to help my 3 year old.. She gets pretty frustrated with simple things. Thanks for sharing!! :)
I’m glad you liked this Tammy. I hope it works for you! Toddlers and preschoolers really seem to enjoy this process of following steps. I would love to know how it works out for you.
Well this is a genius idea! It gives them independence but still lets you have a schedule to follow. I love that! I’ll have to try this with my daughter.
Have a great weekend my dear!
xoxo
I’m sure Little A would benefit lots from it! It really allows that independence but has the “trick” of still getting the schedule moving along.
You have a nice weekend too my friend.
xoxo
What a great idea! Love this. Pinned and am featuring at Family Fun Friday!
Monica
http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/2014/03/family-fun-friday-week-61-creative-parenting
Thanks Monica! I’m glad you enjoyed this and thank you so much for featuring it!
That is such a cool idea! I can so see myself making tons of them all over the house! My 3yo just loves to help now. This would be a great tool. :-)
I’m thrilled that you like this idea Yanic! I hope it helps out around your house!
I like this! I have started making my younger children clean up after dinner. I think I could make cards for this process. Rinsing, loading, starting the dishwasher.
Yes! The picture schedule would DEFINITELY work with kitchen clean up. You could even make a tabletop sign that has each of the steps!
interesting idea. thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ifeoma! It works wonderfully with my girls.
This is a fantastic idea! I think this would help kids be more independent too!
The picture schedules definitely encourages independence Melissa! I love using them with my girls.
Adorable! I need to spend this summer making one so it will be ready to go for August 10–when school starts back!
I love to use picture schedules. I was just thinking I need to create some new ones now that my youngest daughter is homeschooling too.