Using Visual Schedule Cards to help with Transition in Preschool

Using Preschool Visual Schedule Cards to help with Transitions

School is well underway and we have established a consistent routine to help our little learners transition. But we all know there are a few students in the class that have a harder time than others during transition time. One tool to help with this is by using editable preschool visual schedule cards with real images to help reduce unwanted behaviors, like melt downs and a broken toy or two.

Using a visual class schedule

A visual class schedule has pictures for each activity you participate in that day.  Those pictures help reduce the unwanted behaviors by helping the child know what is coming next.  

These cards use clipart. Knowing that our autistic kids respond better to photographs I decided to make some visual schedule cards using real pictures, instead. 

Using real picture schedule cards improved transitions

This is what you do:

1. Laminate a file folder and visual cards
2. Add velcro strips and attach an envelope labeled “finished”
3. Put the laminated cards on the velcro strips  

Introduce the folder to the child that needs help with transitions.  Let them pull the cards off as they are completed and put them in the envelope.

Visual schedule cards help young learners and ESL students too

These pictures help other kids too –  like our ESL (English as a Second Language) students, toddlers and 3-year-olds. 

When trying to reach more students with transition a file folder may not be practical, use visual posters instead.  Place them in an area the students can see and reference them at the beginning and end of each activity.

With this small win for smoother transitions I am motivated to make more visual cues with pictures for other needs in the classroom.  

Stay tuned…

If you like the visual cue cards used in this post, or don’t have time to make your own you can find them here Editable Preschool Visual Schedule Cards.

Each picture has an editable label so if you don’t call your class gathering “Circle Time” but “Large Group” instead, you can change it. 

The pictures include Group Time, Small Group, Outside, Planning, Reviewing, Snack, Breakfast, Lunch, Table Time, Centers, Music and Movement, Circle Time, Book, Math, Literacy, Science, Calendar, Go Home, Bus, Specials, Library, Art Center, Music Center, Gym, Computers, Wash Hands, Bathroom, Brushing Teeth, Yoga and Meditation.

There are three sizes: half sheet (2 to a page), strips (4 to a page), and cards (9 to a page).There are three sizes: half sheet (2 to a page), strips (4 to a page), and cards (9 to a page).

Visual schedule cards and preschool standards

These visual schedule cards also help with meeting some social/emotional standards in early learning which are:

• I can demonstrate awareness of abilities and preferences.
• I can demonstrate independence in decision making regarding activities and materials.
• I can demonstrate independence in a range of activities, routines, and tasks.
• I can follow established rules, routines and directions independently.