Digital Visual Schedules for the Classroom

I live by my schedule.  I need to know what I’m going to do at work on a given day, what I’m going to eat for lunch and make for dinner, and what’s on my chore list.  As a typically functioning adult, this brings me comfort.  So what about our kids with autism?  Do they need the same tools I need?  Nope, they need more!

Do They REALLY Need a Schedule?

Every student needs a schedule.  Kids with autism need a visual picture schedule that they can manipulate.  Some visual schedules have words, pictures, objects, or a combination.  Finding the right schedule for your students can be a bit tricky.  I love printable, laminated, and Velcro schedules that the students can see and pull off each activity as they go.  Unfortunately, it’s not always about me and my students aren’t always into my laminated schedules.  Sometimes, I need something a little more interesting, engaging, and techy.  So, what’s a teacher to do?  Use digital schedules!

Figuring Out How to Make it Work

I decided to try this for my students who just didn’t seem interested in my “typical” schedule go-tos.  What I knew about these students, and most of my students in general, is that they love devices so much!  First, I had to figure out how to get a schedule on their device but I had students with Chromebooks, iPads, and even regular laptops.  So I was stuck with figuring out how to make it work on different devices. Another important part was that it has to be fast and easy for me to edit.  After that I had to figure out how to keep the students from editing the schedule and deleting or changing their activities.  After many attempts, I did it!

The Essentials for Digital Schedules

I started with an editable PowerPoint template and the same pictures I use in my printed daily schedules.  Next, I made sure that there was a home screen that the student and teacher could return to at any time.  I also created a next activity and a last activity button.  This helps the student go on to the next activity or easily back to the last.  Then, I typed in their schedules and pasted in the matching pictures.  Finally, I added the oh-so-important password to keep the students from modifying, accidently or intentionally, their new schedules.

The Coolest Schedule Out There

Now my students have a totally cool, portable schedule that works on their favorite device.  It even works on iPhones!  This has been amazing for students in inclusion classrooms who are working on a device daily.  I also am using this for students who have behavior concerns including the kids who have ripped up paper schedules.  While students with extreme behavior challenges have definitely thrown their computers when angry, they usually value them and hold on to them.  I often build in a reward time on the computer like YouTube or a fun website to strengthen the technology bond.

Try It Out and Celebrate!

Now, go and try out your own digital schedules.  Be amazed at how quickly you can set one up with no cutting, laminating, or Velcro.  I love watching the stress and anxiety melt away from my students and me!

Get your Ready-to-Editable

Digital Daily Schedules: Editable Computer Template for Students with Autism

Want to have Digital Daily Schedule but aren’t sure how to pull it together? No problem! Click here to check out the set Caroline uses.