Visual timetables are created using photographs or symbols of activities during the child’s day. They are used to help children understand what they are doing over a period of time.

It can show a whole day or to help make clear the order of events for a certain activity e.g. bedtime. Timetables can be used in a portrait or landscape style on laminated paper/card with Velcro symbols that can be removed.

Using a Visual Timetable

When you first introduce a visual timetable to a child you will probably need to teach them how to use it. Do this by taking them to the timetable at each time of an activity change. Help them to remove the symbol/picture for the completed task and place it in the finished box.

Then indicate the next item on the timetable, name it and take the child to the correct place to do it. The child will learn then what each symbol/picture means and how to use the timetable. Eventually they may use the ‘finished’ box by themselves.