I used the schedule cards that are pictured below last year for my first grade classroom. Well established classroom routines and schedules are so important because they influence a child's emotional and cognitive development in the classroom. Students love predictability. It helps them feel secure and it helps them feel successful. And most importantly ((to me anyways!)) is that it helps cut down on time for transitions.
These cards were wonderful because they had pictures and the subject written so all of my readers and emerging readers could follow the schedule. Off to the side I had the time in analog and digital versions. We didn't teach time until the second half of the year but everyone could read the digital time.
How I use Classroom Schedule Cards
In the beginning of the year when we are learning all our new classroom routines, I point to each subject change or activity change in the day. As we practice our transitions, we talk about what we will be doing next and what we just did. Students get up and point to the different subjects to show off where we are in the day too.
During morning meeting, I will always point out changes that are going to happen during the day.
I LOVE this schedule for when unexpected changes happen such as a last minute guest or assembly or fire drill. Those things really throw off some students. I get a lot of questions about what time it is and what are we doing. Instead of just explaining what time it is, I walk the student to the schedule and show them where we WOULD be in our day so they know what they missed or what was coming next. This is also great for students who arrive late or leave early.
Eventually with schedule cards and established routines, students can get their materials ready for the next subject and activity without even being asked. I always made a huge deal over the students who would transition to the next subject without being asked. They make me so proud!
If you would like to buy them, please click HERE.
