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Language and Communication Use a visual timetable  This resource has been viewed by a moderator.

Description:

The child will be able to use a visual timetable to help them know what is coming up.

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Early years skill:Personal, Social and Emotional
Early years typical range:8-20m
P-scales/Curriculum skill:PSHE and Citizenship
P-scales/Curriculum level:P4
TAP skill:Social Interaction
TAP level:TAP24
Pre/Nat. Curriculum Area:not specified
Pre/Nat. Curiculum Standard:not specified
Section:Early Years (0-5yrs) info; Primary (5-11yrs) info
Activity/strategy name and materials required How to do the activity Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Using a visual timetable

Home made visual timetable with 'finished' box or envelope and Velcro strip.

Set of laminated symbols for timetable activities e.g. 'swimming', 'maths', 'carpet time' with scratchy Velcro on the back.

1. Make a long cardboard strip approximately 10cm wide and 60cm long. Attach a 'FINISHED' box or plastic envelop at the bottom of the strip.

2. Stick a strip of soft Velcro along the centre of the long laminated strip e.g.

FINISHED BOX

3. Arrange symbols of the activities a child will cover for - say - a morning down the Velcro strip.

4. Just before an activity starts help the child put the relevant symbol into the 'I am doing this now' area at the top of the laminated strip. This shows the child what to expect to happen now.

5. When the activity is over help the child remove the symbol for the 'I am doing this now' area and post it into the 'FINISHED' box or envelope. Help the child take the next symbol and put it into the 'I am doing this now' area etc.

This technique helps children understand what is going to happen during the day. Use it with children who are anxious about change or find understanding class routines difficult.

It is best to set up a visual timetable before the child comes into school and to set it up for a limited period say from arrival until the first play and then from after play until lunch and then a final set up for the afternoon period.

Children sometimes try to alter the timetable to suit themselves e.g. putting play up near the top! This is not allowed! Only the adult in charge can change the order on a visual timetable. If following the set timetable for a given period is very difficult for a child you can make it easier by shortening the time a child must spend on each activity - but each activity must be done a little bit.

You can try with just two activities (now/next) see the now/next visual timetable activity below.

Now/next visual timetable

"Now /next" visual timetable with 'finished' box or envelope and Velcro strip.

Set of laminated photos for timetable activities e.g. 'story', 'outside', 'carpet time' with Velcro on the back.

The now/ next timetable should be attached in chronological order. What is happening now (e.g. story) and next (e.g. snack).

The pictures should be attached with velcro so that after the activity is finished the picture can be removed.

Have a box, container or envelope to put finished activities in. Label this with the word finished.

Once the two activities have been finished put two more on and start again.

As soon as you start a session/class with the child direct them towards the timetable. Point to each of the photos in turn and tell them what they will be doing (e.g. outside now, snack next).

After the activity is finished encourage the child to remove the picture and place it in the finished box.

Use simple langauge to support this e.g. (snack is finished, now playtime) while pointing to the corresponding photo. If necessary, direct the child to where the next activity is taking place.

Once the child has become familiar with it they may use it by themself.

If the child is resistant to some of the activities it's important to use clear consistent language e.g."first story, then sand".  Being able to see a motivating activity coming up may mean that the child is happier to engage in less motivating activities.

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