McKinley Elementary

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
Chinese Proverb

Visual supports can be a valuable tool in school and at home to help children organize their schedule, materials or remember important “things to do” each day, especially for those experiencing difficulty with change in routine, or difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next.  Often children may experience difficulty completing a regular routine if there is a change in the routine.  Perhaps a child will complete homework with their mother, but will refuse to complete the work with their grandmother. Create a list of routine activities that need to be completed.  Teaching your child to formulate their own version of the list can help them think through events in an organized fashion.  It teaches them a strategy that is a life skill. Visual aids can enhance communication for the whole family, not just the child with special needs.  I will be happy to assist or help create home visual strategies as needed.

Create a family information center.  Find a calendar with large squares.  A desk size one will work great if you have a place to put it.  Use it to give information about all family members.  Include things such as:
* Where people are going
* When they will come home late
* When they won’t come home
* When regular events occur
* When special events will occur
* When company is coming.

Using a pocket-sized photo album, you can collect visuals to show your child:
* Places you are going
* Choices to make
* Rules to follow
* Things to help changes or transitions

Janine Spaulding
Speech/Language Pathologist
McKinley Elementary

Reference:
Hodgdon, Linda A., M.ED., CCC-SLP. (1995). Visual Strategies for Improving Communication: Practical Supports for School and Home. Quirk Roberts Publishing.