Using visual timetables  

Visual timetables are an easy and powerful way to help children to stay engaged with lessons and to support their understanding of what's going on and what they need to do.

Research evidence shows that this type of support can reduce anxiety and confusion whilst supporting a child's memory for what they need to do in tasks.

Example visual timetables

You can use a visual timetable to map out the whole day:

Or part of the day:

These will give students an overall picture of what's going and what to expect.

Similarly, you can map out a timetable of what is going to happen in a lesson:

And specific tasks:

Use words and key word symbols to describe each element of the timetable. Using symbols makes it quicker for everyone to read and recall, as well as making it useful for children who might struggle to decode the text.

How to use a visual timetable

However you present the timetable, make sure you draw attention to it when you are teaching. Give children opportunities to interact with the timetable - for example finding what's next, moving the timetable cards around (if you are using that method).

You could have it incorporated into PowerPoint or whatever presentation software you are using

Draw attention to each section as you get it to it. You could point to it, or you could grab a section and enlarge it on the screen.

You could have it stuck on the wall

Again, make sure you draw attention to each section as you get to it.

You could have a card for each section separately velcroed onto a surface

As you get to a section of the timetable, you can move that card to a "we are doing this now" section at the top. Once a section has been completed, remove the card and put it in a finished box. More ideas for using this approach.

How to create your own timetables

Try and use a consistent symbol set. The symbols used on this page are from the Noun Project. You can use the Commtap Symboliser for PowerPoint to speed up the process.