Preparing children for the new term year can be an important and sometimes challenging task for parents, teachers, and therapists. Getting into a structured routine after a long break can be difficult for adults most of the time so we can imagine how anxious it can make children. Some structured strategies such as visual schedules and token charts can allow the child to feel comfortable with the predictability in the day. Movement breaks are a way to promote motivation and improve regulation and attention.
Visual Schedules
Visual schedules are a great way to help kids understand and prepare for the daily routine. These schedules use pictures or symbols to represent activities and can be especially helpful for children with additional needs. By providing a clear visual outline of the day's events, visual schedules can reduce anxiety and confusion, and help kids feel more organized and prepared. A visual schedule can be used at home to aid the child's transition to school, depicting their morning routine and journey to school. In a childcare or school environment it can be effective when depicting the sequence of activities in the day and when break times will occur. Having a portable visual schedule may also benefit some children as they can refer to it throughout the day.
Daily Routine Visual schedule
Daily Routine Visuals
Token Charts
Token charts, also known as reward charts, are a popular tool for encouraging positive behaviour in children. They work by allowing kids to earn tokens or stickers for completing tasks or demonstrating desired behaviours. These tokens can then be exchanged for a reward once a certain number has been collected. Token charts can be an effective way to motivate kids and reinforce good habits as they start the new term year. Allowing the child to set the goals and choose the rewards will increase their motivation and sense of control.
Sensory Regulation Movement Breaks
Sensory regulation movement breaks are short, physical activities or sensory exposure designed to help kids stay focused and regulated throughout the day. These breaks can include activities like animal walks (refer to the bambini Instagram for examples), stretching, or using sensory tools such as fidget toys. For children who struggle with sensory processing, these movement breaks can be essential for maintaining attention and managing emotions during the school day.
By incorporating these strategies into a child's routine, parents, teachers, and occupational therapists can help set kids up for success as they begin the new term year. Visual schedules, token charts, and sensory regulation movement breaks all play a valuable role in supporting children's development and well-being. Feel free to ask the team any questions!