Many of us prefer to have a clear understanding of what to expect in any given situation. By providing information in a visual way that is easier to process and refer back to, we can create communication systems that support and provide structure while helping to prevent challenging behavior.
Examples of visuals that might be helpful:
CALENDARS
Provide reminders of regular church days and special events)
Calendars are helpful especially when routines are changed, such as around the holidays or when there are special church services.
Calendars can be made using a dry erase board or a piece of paper. Invite the child to participate in selecting colors and images that represent each event.
SCHEDULES
Break down an event into pieces.
Similar to calendars, visual schedules are also particularly helpful when there is a change to the routine.
All children can benefit from a visual schedule, reminding them of the order of activities. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-Differently
CHOICE BOARDS
Provide options to allow a sense of control and practice with decision-making.
Children don’t often feel as though they have a lot of control over their environment. By offering them a defined set of choices, you are setting the parameters while allowing them to feel empowered. A choice board can be used for snack, free play, or even choice of learning style (for example, word search, coloring page, or maze). The example below is from a school classroom for recess choices. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erin-Hagey-From-You-Aut-a-Know
FIRST / THEN BOARDS
Provide a reminder of a preferred activity that will follow a non-preferred activity.
By reminding children that a preferred activity is right around the corner, you can keep them engaged and motivated to participate in the non-preferred activity. The visual reminds them that snack time is coming – as soon as they complete the lesson! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Little-Country-Kindergarten)
SOCIAL STORIES
Describe a social situation.
Social stories can be laid out in comic book style with pictures showing each step in a story / process. You can create your own using photos or search for already created social stories online.
They are often read like a story with the child as the main character. These are great ways to prepare a child for a new situation they are going to encounter.
A social story would be ideal for introducing a student to Sunday School for the first time or describing the steps in water baptism or communion.
Visuals can be made with a variety of picture options that are attached with Velcro to allow you to change the order of the items or add and replace options. If your children are particularly artistic, you can even recruit their assistance in making some of the pictures. The Internet has a wealth of free printable options if you don’t have an artist in your midst. Decide which type of visuals you prefer – hand drawn, cell phone photos, or purchased clip art like the ones listed above. Make your board and pictures (laminating each of these is a good idea!). Add Velcro and you’re done!
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Consider reaching out to parents and caregivers for suggestions. They may already be using these types of tools and can offer feedback based on their experiences at home or in school. Our goal is to support the entire family to make church a safe and welcoming place to be.