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 ❤️
No comments