Using a Visual Chart for Routines
Do you ever feel like someone is talking to you and you just can’t follow along? No matter how hard you try to listen, you just can’t fully capture what it is that they’re telling you.
Now, think of a little one that is still learning words (lots and lots of words) and they’re learning new activities and routines, all the time. You’re trying to tell them things and walk them through the routines, and maybe, it just feels like a lot for them! Your little one may be really trying to understand what you’re saying and guiding them to do, but it’s just too much to take in. Your child may go back to playing rather than following along or, they might cry or protest in frustration. Enter - visual charts! Visual charts can be an awesome tool to use to teach your child how to follow routines, like bedtime routines.
What is a visual chart?
Visual charts, or sometimes referred to as a visual schedule, is basically just a group of images that shows a breakdown of a routine, task, game, activity, etc. A visual chart includes an order of steps to accomplish a goal!
If you think about it, we all use visual charts. Think of an instruction manual to put together a baby crib. There may be some written instructions included, but for the most part, we’re using a visual to figure out how to get that crib assembled. A visual chart for a little one uses the same general concept. And, although a visual chart refers to the picture component, written words can still be included in a visual chart for a child.
How do I create a visual chart?
This may seem complicated but it’s actually quite easy! For our little ones, a visual chart breaks down a task or set of tasks through the use of pictures. Visual charts can include real pictures or graphics.
Some people like to put together a visual chart by taking pictures of their child completing each step in the routine so that the visual is more appealing and relatable for their child. This can be a great strategy to get your little one excited about the routine!
Another option is to put together a visual chart using simple graphics that can easily be found online.
A great way to keep a visual chart in tact is to laminate the visual chart. You can even get “fancy” with your visual chart and have some velcro options to move certain activities around. For example, if your bedtime routine has some variation (like book before song and sometimes song before book), you can have velcro pictures to represent each that can be moved to different spots on the visual chart. This is also a way to work on flexibility if your little one has trouble switching up their routine and it’s something you are working on with them.
If you’re not the crafty type or you just don’t feel inclined to make a visual chart yourself, there are lots of different templates, and even visual chart products for purchase, that can be found online. Just keep in mind, the charts that can be found online may not be as customizable as one you make yourself.
Another thing to keep in mind is keeping the visual chart at a level that is a good fit for your child. You don’t want to have too many steps that make it difficult for your little one to keep up. You also don’t want the steps to be too confusing. You can always make changes to the chart, too!
How do I use a visual chart?
There’s really no right or wrong way to use a visual chart, per se. The goal is that your child is referring to the visual chart to help them through their routine. This can take some practice. You will have to show your child how they can check out their visual chart and use it as a guide.
Visual charts can be a great way to teach your child independence with certain skills. For example, if your child is learning how to be more independent with going to the bathroom and brushing their teeth before bedtime, you can teach your child to use the visual chart as a guide so that they don’t forget any steps in their bedtime routine. Rather than you reminding them through every step, they would just check out their visual chart as a reminder.
Visual charts can also incorporate a reward system. Some people like to include a reward system when they are using a visual chart to teach a new skill, like potty training. This can look like a visual chart that includes each step in the potty routine - pull down bottoms, sit on the potty, tinke, flush and pull bottoms up, wash hands, earn a reward. So, essentially, once the child completes all the steps on their visual, they would earn the reward.
It’s always a great idea to have the visual chart easily accessible for your little one and within their reach. You want them to feel engaged and excited to use their chart. That’s why I suggest having a durable visual chart :)
Who can use a visual chart?
As mentioned, visual charts can be useful for just about anyone! Of course, they can be especially helpful for children that are still learning to read and follow instructions. Visual charts can be a great tool for toddlers and preschoolers. You can often find visual charts posted all around daycares and preschools for that reason! Research has also shown that children with special needs, such as autism and ADHD, also benefit from using visual charts for routines and activities throughout their day.
Get started with your visual chart
If you’re struggling with a routine with your child, using a visual chart may be worth considering! It is a fairly simple approach to include and your child may respond really well to it! To get started, do just that. Create the schedule and start using it!
