Power of using visual time schedules

For the past few weeks, we have been using the visuals for time schedule  daily. Recently, in our team meeting, the team leader talked about the importance of incorporating visuals in the classroom, and how these can help our students. I found these visuals on Twinkle and the great things about these visuals are that it is versatile and has Māori translations as well. For some of the wording, I have changed to fit our classroom routines/activities such as Tākaro time, Waiata pipi, and Kōwhai Sports. 

I also made a bag made with paper and it says "Finished" on the front, so that when we finish an activity, a child can put the visual card of the activity into the 'finished' bag. 

Prior to introducing the visual time schedule, I know that some children who are able to read know what is happening during the day. Although I point to the items of the day in the morning and explain what will happen, some children who cannot read probably are not so aware of what will happen during the day, and might be a little bit hard to prepare for not knowing what will come next. 

Since the introduction of the visuals, I feel that the children are more engaged in what we are doing, and I often see children standing in front of the whiteboard discussing what will be next. Removing the visual card and putting into the 'Finished' bag are so satisfying for the children, and this also lets them know what will be coming up next. This also can prepare the children mentally and physically. The pictures are easy for children to interpret and they quickly learnt all of the visuals and are able to tell what these represent. Because I have several children whose English is their second language, I think looking at the pictures and knowing what will happen today can help them prepare and settle into their day. 

I am very happy that this has been working wonderfully, and have engaging children. Now I understand how powerful the use of visuals is as I definitely see the difference in children's engagement, behaviour, and abilities to manage their day using the visuals.