This incredible Daily Visual Schedule is exactly what everyone needs. Whether you are looking to stay organized, just starting out on your homeschool journey, or have a child with special needs, visual schedules work great. It didn’t take me long to realize my son needed a picture card visual schedule. Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder among other different needs can benefit from having a visual schedule to look at every day.
Plus, having that much-needed organization helps our day run smoother and keep a routine. These free printables will work great for you at home or in a school.
Printable Visual Schedule Pictures
Daily Visual Schedule for Kids with Free Printable
There are so many ways you can use these visual picture cards. I’ll start with how you see them here. We love pocket charts! I have used pocket charts for many different learning activities.
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Why are visual schedules so important?
Visual schedules give kids the information they need about what is happening when it’s happening, any changes to their routine when to transition from one activity to another. Depending on your child’s ages and abilities, a visual schedule may include objects and pictures or just words.
Implementing a visual schedule can be a game changer for your kids, especially for children with ASD or ADHD. Using a visual schedule can help your kids know what to expect and mentally prepare for transitions or challenging activities throughout the day.
Visual schedules can help your child to become more independent. They’ll know what to expect and won’t need to be reminded of the day’s events. Plus, kids with ASD or ADHD will likely need fewer prompts and cues from adults once they become accustomed to using a schedule.
How to start using a visual schedule with your kids
There are lots of methods for implementing a visual schedule with your children. You know your child best, so don’t be afraid to do what works best for your family.
Here are some tips from Children’s Autism Services:
- Be sure your schedule is in a central location where it can be easily seen.
- Review upcoming schedules and changes with your kids beforehand. Use the schedule as a visual aid during your discussion
- Assist and support your children as needed while they grow accustomed to using their visual schedule independently.
- Try to avoid using too many words when referencing the schedule.
- Be consistent in your instructions and your use of the schedule. Use it every day to help your kids establish this new routine.
- Give your child the authority to manipulate the schedule when appropriate. This will help your child practice autonomy and encourage independence.
- Consider using mini-schedules and breakdowns for tasks that have multiple steps, like brushing teeth or packing a lunch.
More information on how to use a visual schedule with your kids
Want to learn more about the benefits of using a visual schedule at home with your children? Learn about 5 important benefits of having and using a visual schedule with your kids in this article: teaching time management skills, building independence, establishing healthy habits with your children and in your family, and more!
Check it out to learn all about the benefits that come with using a visual schedule in your home or classroom.
Autism Visual Schedule Printables
There are so many ways to display a visual schedule.
- on the refrigerator
- using a tabletop pocket chart
- Using a hanging pocket chart
- Make a visual display on poster board
- a cork board
- Display them on a shelf or wall area.
Whichever way you decide to display your visual schedule I am sure your children will love it.
Visual Schedule
I place our cards on the chart or hanging daily and store them in a magnetic basket on our magnet board below. My daughter loves getting these cards out daily. Just looking at them and reading them with her has been great for language development.
Picture Schedule
Maybe you have a command center in your house where you can add these great daily schedule cards. They can easily be hung and clipped which will also work your child’s fine motor skills.
Kids Daily Schedule
Whether you’re looking for a toddler schedule or a routine for elementary age children, these printable daily schedule cards for kids are free and can work with a variety of tasks!
How do I get my child on a schedule?
Using picture cues for children is a great way to establish a routine.
Start with a morning routine (bathroom, breakfast)
Get dressed
Playtime, errands, preschool, activities
Lunch
Playtime, activities, outdoor time
Snack
Nap …
Once you feel you have a complete schedule for your child, you should have it posted as a whole day.
Make sure you include daily activities that are active activities and also calming down activities.
Daily Visual Schedule Cards
Daily Schedule for Kids
We love these cards! Honestly, ever since we started using them our days run smoother and transitions are much easier. I plan on adding additional cards for outings and extra activities soon. I hope these visual schedule cards help your family as much as they have helped mine. Enjoy!
Using a visual schedule reduces anxiety and stress for children during transitions. Many children who are on the spectrum tend to struggle with transitions. Visual Schedules will help your child feel comfortable and get into a daily routine.
I have added more free picture card sets which you can access by signing up below. Or you can click over and purchase the huge bundle or Editable Bundle of Visual Cards Here.
Consider this printable visual schedule bundle
Ultimate Daily Visual Schedule Cards
This ultimate visual schedule bundle is filled with cards for a variety of tasks and activities.
Here are some of the cards you’ll find in this bundle:
- Bedtime routines
- Classroom or Homeschool tasks
- Chores and daily tasks
- Mealtime routines
- Seasonal activities
- Holidays and Celebrations
You can use this chart to help you get started with a visual schedule to keep your kids on task, reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and promote independence.
SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR FREE KIDS DAILY SCHEDULE PRINTABLES HERE
Order Your Pocket Chart Here
I like to Laminate all of the printables which makes them last so much longer. You can see the Best Homeschool Essentials Here. These items make my life and homeschooling so much easier.
I’ve added two more sets of Printable Visual Schedule Pictures for Kids
Click Here for The Ultimate Daily Visual Schedule Bundle
Visual Schedules and Routines for Kids
Studies have shown that if you like this, you will also love the following articles. 🙂 I have pulled them together for you right here!
5 Benefits of Visual Schedules for Children
Kapila says
July 29, 2017 at 12:27 pmThank you very much for posting this printable pictures for kids…
Cara says
April 22, 2017 at 10:46 pmKimberly I have been looking for resources for my clients to create visual schedules. I am a pediatric Occupational Therapist and I use visuals in my work every day. A schedule of a child’s daily routine is wonderful to help them stay on task and increase their independence. These are also really cute! Thank you for creating such a great resource! I will be sharing with my families and my blog!
Kimberly says
April 23, 2017 at 10:22 amThank you so much. I’m glad you like them 🙂
Cassandra says
January 31, 2017 at 8:04 amHave you done feed the pets, getting in car and buckled up, or dinner yet?
Kimberly says
January 31, 2017 at 9:30 amOh Good Ones. Thank you
LIz says
December 15, 2016 at 12:10 pmThank you so much for sharing these amazing cards. It is so easy to become so frustrated when you are the parent and still trying to learn the best way to handle things when their world is thrown into chaos. My son has ADHD and I think a sensory issue also. So sometimes these time frames are just overwhelming. My son does amazing with routines, but sometimes, others in the house forget his routine and throw him off, which causes chaos. These will help tons! Thanks again!!
Kimberly says
December 15, 2016 at 2:26 pmYay! I’m so glad you like them. Enjoy and good luck
The Humble Honey says
October 1, 2016 at 9:04 amHi! This is a great idea. I have been having trouble getting my five year old to stay focused while getting ready in the mornings. I created “things to do” and “things that are done” evelopes. He takes one card that needs to be done and places it in the done envelope when finished. Hopefully these cards with pictures help because I only have the words written. Thanks a bunch, I will keep you posted.
Kimberly says
October 1, 2016 at 9:05 amSounds like a great idea. Good Luck!
Lorena Nunez says
September 19, 2016 at 10:25 amThank you very much for these cards! they’re so helpful!! I’m having trouble with the second set of cards, could you please email the link to print them? Thank you very much!!
Kimberly says
September 19, 2016 at 7:54 pmSent them to your e-mail. Enjoy!
Kaila says
June 19, 2016 at 10:46 pmThank you! I have these all cut and ready to use tomorrow!
I’d love to see a “make bed” and maybe a generic “chore” card or “free play” card.
Love that you shared!!
Kimberly says
June 19, 2016 at 11:03 pmOh great idea 🙂 Did you get the additional packs? You can find them here. https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/2016/04/daily-visual-schedule-cards.html
Stacey says
June 16, 2016 at 9:45 pmThank you so much for these. I was searching for something to help my daughter be more independent before little sister arrives. I love the little pics but I wish there was one of a potty. My daughter is almost 6 but I still have to remind her to go or it will be noon before she does!!
Kimberly says
June 16, 2016 at 11:08 pmI added 2 more sets 🙂 Here is the link if you are interested https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/2016/04/daily-visual-schedule-cards.html and if you have any issues downloading them feel free to e-mail me at naturalbeachliving@gmail.com
Mindy Duffey says
May 20, 2016 at 3:00 pmI was able to print both sets. Thanks, again. Would you consider adding chore cards that are appropriate for toddlers (make bed, empty dishwasher, sweep, vacuum, dust, feed pets, etc) and also (OUR BIGGEST BATTLES: get in carseat and no FIGHTING or whining). We struggle with the last 2 daily! I don’t see and end to it but the visual accompanied by a reward might get us a little closer to our goal. Your cards are fantastic!
Kimberly says
May 20, 2016 at 4:30 pmGreat Idea!
sarah says
May 19, 2016 at 12:11 pmThese and your other two sets are fantastic. I’m working on creating a summertime homeschool schedule and these will be great for my little ones. Thank you for sharing!
Paulla Marrujo says
May 14, 2016 at 1:28 amHello Kimberly. I would love to have these visual schedule printables. Can you please email them to me? Thank you so much.
Sallie says
April 17, 2016 at 11:40 amNot all children are Caucasian. It would help to have clipart that is racially diverse.
Kimberly says
April 17, 2016 at 1:42 pmThere are various skin tones used in the set 🙂 I also have a new set coming soon as an add on. Thank You
Rachel says
January 11, 2018 at 1:17 amThat’s one of the many things I like about your work, Kimberly. Every single set has diversity, which is the way it should be 🙂
Kimberly says
January 11, 2018 at 11:55 amThank you so much
Silvija says
March 26, 2016 at 7:29 amThanks so much
Renae says
February 29, 2016 at 9:44 amWhy is it that I seem to have either forgotten or didn’t know that you have a child with autism? I love your images for your picture schedule. We used to have one for everyone hanging on our dining room wall for the longest time. It helped things so much!
Kimberly says
March 1, 2016 at 8:40 amThanks so much Renae
Vanessa says
February 28, 2016 at 6:11 pmThese cards are adorable and have so many great visual options for helping a child through their day. Cute!
Keri says
February 26, 2016 at 9:32 amKimberly, these are adorable and I plan to use at least some of them for my highly visual son. I noticed there’s no card for dinner and I’m not sure that the pictures for breakfast and lunch are such a great idea. Well, at least not for us – I wouldn’t want to promote junk food and I know if my son saw a donut and sandwich every day, he’d think that’s what he’d be getting for those meals… Imagine the tantrum of a 3.5 year old who thinks anything printed is gospel! Anyway, if you were planning to add any others in the future, maybe offer alternate cards for those two and include a dinner card. Otherwise, these are fantastic and thank you for creating and sharing them!
Kimberly says
February 26, 2016 at 9:59 amI totally agree. Unfortunately at the time the art used a donut was the only option, BUT I totally thought the same thing. I plan on adding a lot more options soon- outings, meals, and so forth. Thank you so much. Being a fruit and veggie family I love promoting healthy foods. I hope you can still enjoy the other cards.
Sebanti says
May 26, 2017 at 12:30 pmthank you, so very much.