Individual schedules need to be tailored to meet the needs of the students in our classroom. Implementing a wide range of schedules can lead to many questions. It is rare when things work "perfectly." Below are the questions I often encounter when coaching in classrooms across Minnesota. If you have a question that hasn't been answered in this FAQ, you can fill out the form at the bottom of the newsletter, email me directly or sign up for virtual office hours. This information is under "Contact Information."

If you have students who are unsure what to do when they hear the cue, "Check Schedule," you can use a transition icon indicating what they need to do (check schedule) and where they need to go (their schedule location). The transition symbol can be an icon picture or an object.

Below are my two favorite examples of transition icons. In example 1, Kerry Leecy from Riverview Early Childhood Center uses pictures of her students as the transition icon. The students put their pictures into the container above their schedule. This is a functional transition symbol because it matches an item on the schedule.

In example 2, Julee Gackle from Lakeville Early Childhood uses her students' names as the transition icon. Students match the smaller replica of their name tag to the space below their name on the schedule. This is another functional transition symbol.

Steps to using a transition icon:

1. Give the cue, "Check schedule," while handing the student the transition icon.
2. Guide the student to their schedule, point to the bucket with the matching transition icon and say, "Put in."
3. Once the student puts the icon in the container, point to the top symbol of the schedule and say, "Take top."
4. Once the student takes the top symbol, say, "Match symbol." Then guide them to the next location so they can match the icon to the landing strip.
5. Fade prompts as students learn what to do when they hear the cue, "Check schedule."

When introducing a schedule, you can reduce the number of symbols. Start by displaying 1 to 4 symbols at a time. You can also use a First/Then schedule.

Below is an example of a first/then schedule from Nicole Monroe at Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative in Faribault. This first/then file folder schedule is portable, and all the icons are housed in one spot. If you would like to make a First/Then file folder schedule, there are directions and printable first/then visuals in the Resources section.

Many early childhood teachers have two groups of students a day. To prevent your wall from being covered with schedules, you can use one schedule strip with the morning students' schedule on the front side and the afternoon students' schedule on the back. Bonus: you will only need to reset schedules once a day!

Sometimes, the activities our students participate in are located outside of the classroom (e.g., gym, recess, lunch, specials, etc.). You can do one of two things with the symbols: (1) Put the landing symbol on your classroom door or next to your door or (2) Put the landing symbol on the door at the location of the activity. I recommend putting the landing symbol on or next to your door so you don't lose symbols throughout the building, and this option doesn't require an adult to leave the classroom to gather symbols, either.

The picture on the right is of LaLonnie Mullenberg's classroom door. She puts her landing pad icons on her door. When students leave the classroom, they match their symbol to the one on the door and walk to the location within the school.

If your students are using a movable-piece schedule, there are two options for the symbols once they are done:

1. Leave the symbol on the landing strip and a team member can come around later to collect them.
2. When finished with the activity, the adult removes the symbol, hands it to the student and cues, "Finished with _____. Check schedule." The student should be taught to bring the symbol to the finished container or pouch by their schedule. Whichever option you choose, be consistent and differentiate for each student as needed

If your students are using a movable-piece schedule but DO NOT take off the symbol to match it, there are two common options:

1. When finished with the task/center, students remove the icon from the schedule and put in “All Done” bin.
2. Once students are finished with their task/ center, they move the icon to the right.

Before reaching this conclusion, ask yourself these questions:

1) Does the student get upset when we move to the next activity?

2) Does the student become frustrated or anxious when a change in their day occurs?

3) Does the student need an adult telling them what activity is next?

4) Does the student require adult assistance to navigate their day?

Your student probably needs a schedule if you answered "yes" to any of these questions. Remember, all students receive a schedule, especially in middle and high school. It is the road map to their day. There are many types of schedules. You can move to a paper schedule with checkboxes if a student no longer requires a movable-piece schedule. If you have an older elementary student, consider creating a schedule similar to the one they will receive as a middle school student. The ultimate goal is for them to navigate their day without the support of an adult. We should be developing schedules that move them in that direction.

If you're wondering when to move on from the student's current schedule, take data using the task analysis provided under Resources. If your student is completing the task with 90% accuracy across 2 to 3 consecutive data points, consider moving to a less restrictive schedule. Don't forget to consult with the student's team about the decision.

You can find additional resources such as written schedules, check schedule icons, and other visuals for your check schedule routine under Routine Essentials. Click on Routine Essentials -->Transition.

The next Tuesday Tips + Tricks will be on using visuals supports in the classroom.

1. Creating a classroom layout that is visually and physically defined ✔️
2. Providing, teaching and using schedules for EVERYONE✔️
3. Providing, teaching and using visual supports
4. Explicitly teaching routines and expectations

Check out Fall in the Forest in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

Date/Time: October 25th, 2023 from 4:00-5:00 PM

Where: Virtual

Description: Take your classroom set up a step further by setting up structured centers in your classroom. Topics include different types of centers, setting up each center, teaching students to rotate through centers, and teaching paras to run centers.1CEU will be provided.

Feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.

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