How to Work Schedule Boards into Your Homeschool Day

For many of us who have children on the spectrum, schedule boards are a way of life.  In fact, in our case, schedule boards were the first tool we had in our autism toolbox that made life manageable. 
Over the years, our schedule boards have grown and changed just like the boys have.  Today there are multiple ways we incorporate schedule boards into our homeschool day.

photo courtesy http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/

Daily Schedule

During our AM Routine, the boys rotate being in charge of reading the schedule for the day.  This way, we are prepared and can talk about any events that we might need to ahead of time.

Routines

When there are many steps involved in an action, like getting ready in the morning, it is helpful to have a chart.  After our AM Routine, the boys need to get ready and that involves getting dressed, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, brushing teeth and hair, washing face, making the bed and doing their morning jobs, or chores (I prefer to call them jobs so it won't be such a shock to them when they are required to get a real one as teenagers ;))

 

Our boys need continual redirecting when getting ready and this schedule board is a great way to do that.  I usually just have to ask "what's next on your chart?" when they get distracted.

Workbox Boards

These are GREAT accompaniments to the workbox system!

Our boys can stay on task much more easily when they've got their board to refer to.

It also eliminates the mystery of how much there is to do and what comes next and makes our day run smoothly.

I used PECs for the routine board, but it can also be as simple as using a dry erase board and harnessing some of your rudimentary drawing skills.

Schedule boards are versatile, helpful, and easy to create.