Visuals.

This week I finally got around to making a visual schedule for Koala.

People with an ASD are visual learners. They also feel more comfortable with a routine which they can rely on. Koala has never been one to completely fall apart if his routine changes, but he does like to have a certain structure. We have been using a tick box systems where he ticks off each subject as he finishes it, but I knew that a visual one would be preferable.

So I began by photographing all the books we use.

I then had them printed four to a page. I laminated them and cut them out. At the beginning of the day all the visuals are placed on a green for go, laminated strip of paper with a velcro strip.

The above is our schedule for Friday which includes our catechism, Faith and Life 4, which we simply read and discuss. A page from Maths-U-See Beta. Growing With Grammar, Seton Handwriting 3 for Young Catholics, Aplogia Exploring Creation with Astronomy which Koala just loves! The final visual shows a combination of our history read-alouds. History isn't meant to be on our list for Friday, but we missed it yesterday, so we mght get to it today. We're fairly flexible.

When each activity is completed, Koala moves the visual to the red laminated paper.

We've had a few teething problems in the last 3 days. Koala became rather upset when I wanted him to complete a subject that wasn't next in line! I should have known better! So now I have to make sure that where possible I ask him to complete the subjects in the order I've placed them! We will work on varying the order, as adaptability is an important skill to learn.

Visuals are not exclusively for kids on the spectrum. All kids respond to them. So naturally Bilby has requested his own visual schedule.

Those of you who read my unschool post may be wondering what happened! I'm still working toward a more natural approach to our day, but I think it will take time for me to break my addiction to structure and formal programmes! I have dramatically cut back on the formal side of our day which has been a wonderful blessing.

I know our new visual sehedule will make Koala's day run much more smoothly, which in turn helps everyone in the family.