A Fun Little Speech Blog with a Pirate Problem

Visual Schedule in Speech Therapy

Most students we work with, not just those on the autism spectrum, do better with structure and predictability. Sure, curve balls happen and we need to prepare our students to handle those. But making Speech an enjoyable experience will make for easier transitions, fewer tantrums, thus, more progress.

(*This post contains affiliate links*)

This year, I will be implementing use of a visual schedule. I bought this small bus sign from the Target Dollar Spot. (Read more about how I’m using other Target finds here.) I embellished it using my Silhouette paper cutter (affiliate link here). I added a strip of Velcro to bottom and it was done!  So simple and so cute.

For some students, pictures can be simple instructions, like the ones pictured above. Other students may prefer/require more specific visuals that include the exact materials they’re going to be using.

Speech schedules don’t just have to be for the little ones of those on the spectrum. You can illustrate expectations for things like centers or a group session (and even keep yourself on track in the process) by giving specific pictures of the speech/language targets for that day.

The schedule is placed on the wall right in front of my table, so it is clearly visible to the students throughout the session. I will be keeping all of my schedule’s visuals in this handy magnetic pocket.

You can find the pockets on Amazon:

I decided to share my visual schedule pictures, as well as a couple simple schedule templates (if you can’t or don’t want to use the bus) in my TpT store.  Find it here. I hope that with the introduction of a visual schedule to their speech sessions will bring easier transitions, increased participation, order, and joy to my room.

To grab a copy of my visual schedule pictures, as well as two posters to use as the base for your pictures, check out this resource.

I also purchased an apple plaque. I personalized this for my door.

I went a little crazy on buying these apple and bus signs. I’ve decided to give one personalized door sign (on either bus or apple) to one lucky reader!  I will cut your name out of vinyl, put it on your chosen sign, and mail it to you (within the continental US). If you’d like to enter to win, leave on comment on this blog post. I will choose a winner in one week (Saturday, August 5, 2017).  Good luck! (Be sure to include your email when commenting, so that I can contact you!)

    • Reader Interactions

    Comments

    5. Great great great idea! Love it and will be buying your pictures on TPT 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
      Kim Marie

      Reply

    6. I love how you incorporated the visual schedules onto the bus sign! I would have never thought of that! This would be great for some of my lower level students who have autism and/or are in the ID program! Thanks for the chance! avivaesther@yahoo.com

      Reply

    7. Can’t wait to purchase the visual schedule for this school year! Great for students who anticipate transitions!

      Reply

    12. I think visual schedules are SO important in the classroom but I have not been using them consistently during my speech groups. I love this idea and you have inspired me! Thank you!

      Reply

    18. Love how you turned the school bus into a visual schedule and store all your manipulatives in a clear folder. I need to do this in my room – hoping I can find a school bus at Target! My students would love it and find it highly motivating.

      I would love to win the school bus! ????
      a.hocevar@aol.com

      Reply

    28. Would love to use your ideas… I use visual schedules all the time… nice to have some fresh ideas! I will be following your blog!
      Thanks for sharing and for your TPT MATERIALS!

      Reply

    29. I love this! I regret not getting one at Target and now they don’t have it! Thank you for your fabulous ideas!

      Reply

    30. I’m going into my CF in a school system and have followed you to prepare for my first year! I love your ideas! ????????

      Reply

    32. You have such great ideas! I actually passed on the bus too bc I wasn’t sure how to incorporate it. Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

    35. I love these ideas! I have been trying to incorporate daily speech schedules into my routine more often (as in, for more than just students with ASD). Thanks for the ideas!!

      Reply

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