Back To School: Schedule & Behavioral Supports
Schedule and behavioral supports are often utilized within the classroom and in speech, occupational, and/or physical therapy. Having tools in place may lead to a more successful session and learning environment. These types of supports may be implemented into everyday life in order to increase the likelihood of having the desired behavior occur and be completed. Below are a few of our favorite behavioral supports!
Visual Timer
Visual timers are very beneficial in helping make participation in necessary activities more tolerable. Visual times are valuable to help with transitioning, as they provide a “warning” to children with transition difficulties that a task is going to begin or end shortly. Visual timers can also help with staying on task while completing non-preferred activities or act as a timer to let a child know when her preferred activity will end. There are many types of visual timers, you can use the timer on your phone, a digital timer, a kitchen timer, etc.
First-Then Board
A First-Then Board is utilized to help children complete specific tasks or activities. This strategy visually displays two pictures. The “first” is usually a picture of a non-preferred activity and the “then” is a picture of a preferred activity. For example, “first”, you will complete your work (non-preferred activity); “then” you will get toy (preferred activity). You can draw pictures, use pictures found online, or take actual pictures of objects to create an individualized First-Then board.
Visual Schedule
Visual schedules provide a checklist to children so that they know what is coming next in an activity or a day. For younger children or children with Autism who thrive on structure and routine, visual schedules aid in transitions. A visual schedule can promote independence as your child can look at the schedule to see what is next versus relying on you to tell him. Additionally, visual schedules reinforce memory and mental organization. You can take actual pictures of your child completing a task or use pictures found online.
Ginger Liner, MS, CCC-SLP
Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Tri County Therapy
