Back to School Series: Schedules 2

Hey there! Have you read my first post on the types of schedules I use in my classroom? If not, check out the types of schedules I use for different learning styles and levels of students here.

My Classroom Areas:

• Circle Time/Large Group Area 
• Puzzle/Table Toys Area 
• Sensory Area 
• Teacher Area 
• Work Boxes Area 
• Library 
• Snack Area 
• Motor Area   

Color Coding:

I assign each student a color for the year. Each student has a different color schedule and I use that to organize my student schedules, data, and it helps me visually see who is at each center or where they should be! I also think this helps my assistants and any substitutes to visually organize everything within the classroom.

(This is an old picture of my visual schedule set up in the preschool classroom.) 

Templates:

I have used a variety of different schedules within my 10 years of teaching special education preschool. This varies from classroom to classroom depending upon student need and level of adult support you have within your classroom.
You can check my templates out in my TPT store! 

Individual Schedule Templates:

I have everything set up in this template version. All you need to do is plug your students in! This template has room for 9 students. Once I go past 9 students, I begin doubling students on schedules.

Group Schedule Template:

Using group scheduling, I group my students 2-3 or even up to 4 students depending on student level and needs. I assign the group a color, and a classroom assistant for the week to rotate with the students. We change groups on a weekly basis.

Stay tuned for more posts on what my centers look like!

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Back to School Series: SCHEDULES

Schedules are definitely the heart and soul of my classroom. They keep us organized, on-task and making progress. My staff love using schedules in the self-contained special education preschool classroom because it keeps everyone focused. I love them as well for the same reason, but also because I can keep track of my students, staff, collect data, and prepare my students for the elementary grades using their big kid schedules. Schedules help with transitions, ease frustration and keep us consistent which is definitely something our students need, especially at 3,4 and 5 years old. I use a variety of schedules in my classroom: Wall Schedule: This version of my schedule is posted to the wall in a vertical order. Students take the top piece off their schedule and match to the area. Some wall schedules I have blocked off for students so they only see a few visuals at one time.

First/Then Schedule: I love this type of schedule for my “in betweeners” (my students who are not quite ready for a wall schedule, but are too advanced for objects). I laminate a color file folder with my first/then visual and Velcro the order of the schedule inside.

Object Schedule: Object schedules are awesome for students who are concrete learners. Sometimes, it can be a little tricky to find pieces for your object schedules. My biggest tip for this is collecting “junk”. Collect old puzzle pieces, baby spoons, plastic cups, random blocks, play people, etc. Stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels also have good options if you do not collect “junk”. Some students have these items on wall schedules, but I prefer to use the traveling first/then object schedules with these learners.

Scheduling students takes a lot of team work and practice, but with consistency it will work. Stay focused, and stay with your plan. I always tell my team “Teamwork makes the dream work!” and it truly does. If you want the schedule templates and color coded visuals, click here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy scheduling ❤️

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