Title: The Importance of Predictable Routines and schedules
Topic Area: Ideas for handy schedules
Schedules and routines can be of great benefit to children with ADHD and ADD. One example is giving them a short list of tasks to complete, this gives them something visual to use to help them remember and stay on task. Routines are extremely important for children with ADHD by setting up regular times for meals, homework, but you must remember to always follow through on the schedules! If you do not follow through with the schedules this can cause behavior problems with the child you are working with. Also predictable routines help in lowering stress for children. This is also great for Autistic children.
I have used three different types of schedules:
1.) A picture/word schedule on a large poster board, this is for the whole class to know the daily routine of the room. But you need to remember to have a card or something to put up for special occasions and to put it over whatever it will be replacing.
2.) A key ring/chain schedule, this is nice for you or the student to hold/carry when you need to remind them of what is next show them a picture/word card of what they need to do next.
3.) The Pringles can schedule is one of my favorites; you take a strip of velcro atach it down the side of the can and then cover the rest of the can with construction paper ofr contact paper. Cut a slit or hole in the lid of the can so you can slide small square cards through it. Take a sheet of picture word cards that are pictures of the students schedule, laminate it, then cut them into small squares and put pieces of velcro on the backs. Now get the can ready every morning before the student arrives and then as the student completes each task. activities the student get to remove the card, by the end of the day all the cards should be in the can. I have also seen this done on a small poster board but I like the pringles can better because it travels with you.
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