Module 30

Daily Routine Visual Schedule Builder

Template and best practices for creating visual schedules that build EF skills

Visual schedules externalize executive function. They offload planning and sequencing from a still-developing brain to a visible, consistent structure.

Time Block	Time	Task	Visual Cue	Done?
Wake Up	___:___	Get out of bed, open blinds	Sun icon	[ ]
Morning Routine	___:___	Bathroom, get dressed, brush teeth	Toothbrush icon	[ ]
Breakfast	___:___	Eat, clear plate, take vitamins	Plate icon	[ ]
School Prep	___:___	Pack bag, shoes on, check list	Backpack icon	[ ]
School/Learning	___:___	School or homeschool block	Book icon	[ ]
After School	___:___	Snack, free play, homework	Pencil icon	[ ]
Dinner	___:___	Help set table, eat, help clean	Fork icon	[ ]
Evening Routine	___:___	Bath, pajamas, reading	Moon icon	[ ]
Bedtime	___:___	Lights out	Star icon	[ ]

Visual Schedule Best Practices

Use pictures or icons for pre-readers, words + icons for early readers— Let the child help choose or draw the icons.

Post at child's eye level in relevant location— Morning routine in bathroom. After-school routine by the door.

Include a 'done' mechanism they physically move— Velcro cards they flip, magnets they move, checkboxes they mark.

Keep it to 5-7 items max per routine block— Too many steps overwhelms. Break long sequences into smaller chunks.

Add transition warnings between blocks— '5 minutes until we switch.' Transitions are where EF breaks down most.

Review the schedule together every morning— Pointing to what's coming builds time awareness and reduces anxiety.

Be consistent for at least 3 weeks before adjusting— Habits take time. Changing the schedule too often defeats the purpose.

Custom Schedule Items for My Child

Consistency & Transitions

The goal is to make the schedule the boss -- not you. Instead of 'I need you to brush your teeth,' try 'What does your schedule say is next?' This shifts ownership to the child.