Using Visual Supports to Set Up Your Early Learning Classroom

Empowering All Children at the Beginning of the Year

How you set up your early learning classroom at the beginning of the school year can help lay the foundation for a successful and inclusive educational experience for all children in your class. For children with disabilities, developmental delays, and challenging behaviors, the use of visual supports can be an especially powerful tool. These supports not only enhance learning but also promote independence, reduce anxiety, and promote positive behavior. 
In this blog post, we will explore various types of visual supports and how they can be effectively integrated into your classroom to create an inclusive environment for all children. Read on for more information about visual supports or check out our on-demand course, Visual Supports for Young Children which comes with tons of visual supports you can incorporate into your own classroom! 

The Importance of Visual Supports

Visual supports are any tools that present information visually rather than verbally. They are particularly beneficial for young children and those with developmental delays or disabilities, as they provide clear and consistent cues that can be understood more easily for many children.

These supports help in:

  • Enhancing Understanding: Visual supports make abstract concepts concrete, aiding comprehension for children who struggle with auditory processing or language delays.
  • Promoting Independence: By providing step-by-step visual instructions, children can complete tasks with minimal adult assistance.
  • Reducing Anxiety and Dysregulation: Knowing what to expect and what is expected of them helps children feel more secure and reduces anxiety-related behaviors and dysregulation.
  • Encouraging Positive Behavior: Visual cues can remind children of classroom rules and routines, promoting self-regulation and positive behavior.

Types of Visual Supports

1. Visual Schedules

A visual schedule is a series of pictures or symbols that depict the sequence of activities throughout the day. This support helps children understand the daily routine, anticipate transitions, and manage their time effectively. Visual schedules can be tailored to individual needs, using real objects, photos, drawings, words, or symbols that the child can easily recognize.

2. Sequence Strips

Sequence strips break down activities into smaller, manageable steps. Each step is represented by a picture or symbol, guiding the child through the process. Sequence strips are particularly useful for tasks with multiple steps, such as toileting, washing hands, or completing a craft project. They promote independence by allowing children to follow the sequence without constant verbal reminders.

3. Choice Boards

Choice boards present a set of options from which a child can choose. This visual support empowers children by giving them a sense of control and ownership over their activities and allows kids to express their choices even if they don’t have verbal language. Choice boards can be used for choosing play activities, choosing a song at circle time, choosing a self-regulation strategy, or choosing a problem-solving strategy during conflicts between peers. By providing limited options, choice boards also help kids make decisions without getting overwhelmed.

4. Environmental Labels

Labeling the classroom environment with pictures and words helps children navigate the space independently. Labels can be placed on shelves, bins, and areas such as the reading corner or art station. This support not only aids in organization but also helps children with language development by associating words with objects and activities.

5. First / Then Visuals

First/Then visuals are like mini visual schedules that only have two events. This type of visual tool can help with transitions, as it tells kids what is coming up next. Transitions can be very difficult for young children, particularly when we are asking kids to do something they don’t want to do. When we can show them something fun that is coming up next, after the task they are less excited about, it can help motivate them through transitions that are otherwise challenging.

Implementing Visual Supports in Your Classroom

Incorporating visual supports into your early learning classroom requires thoughtful planning and consistency. Here are some steps to successfully implement these tools:


1. Assess Individual Needs

Begin by assessing the individual needs of your students. Consider their developmental levels, learning styles, and specific challenges. Collaborate with a child’s care team if they have one, including therapists and parents to gather insights and create a comprehensive support plan.

2. Create and Customize Visual Supports

Develop visual supports that are tailored to the unique needs of your students and your classroom. Use clear, simple images and language that are age-appropriate and culturally relevant. Consider involving the children in the creation process, when possible, as this can increase their engagement and ownership.

3. Introduce Visual Supports Gradually

Introduce visual supports gradually, allowing children time to become familiar with them. Start with one or two supports and gradually add more as the children become comfortable. Provide explicit instruction on how to use each support and offer plenty of practice opportunities.

4. Consistency is Key

Consistency is crucial for the effectiveness of visual supports. Ensure that all classroom staff are trained in using these tools and apply them consistently throughout the day. Reinforce the use of visual supports with positive feedback and encouragement.

5. Evaluate and Adjust

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the visual supports and make adjustments as needed. Gather feedback from the children, parents, and other staff members to identify areas for improvement. Be flexible and open to modifying the supports to better meet the evolving needs of your students.

Conclusion

Setting up your early learning classroom with visual supports at the beginning of the year can create an inclusive and supportive environment for all children, especially those with disabilities, developmental delays, and challenging behaviors. These tools empower children by enhancing understanding, promoting independence, reducing anxiety, and encouraging positive behavior. By thoughtfully incorporating visual supports into your classroom, you can provide a foundation for a successful and enriching educational experience for every child. Check out our Visual Supports for Young Children course to learn more about using visual supports in the classroom and get access to all of the materials you need to get started with visual supports in your classroom! You can also check out this Head Start link as well as this article from NAEYC to learn how teachers can use visual supports and other environmental modifications to support engagement and decrease challenging behaviors for children within the classroom. 



- The IMPACT Team

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