How to Use a Visual Routine in the Elementary Age Bedroom

The Power of Intention asks us to see the missing skill or need behind every undesirable behavior. Often, chaos or struggle in your day is a warning sign that a clear routine is needed.

Young children think in pictures, but your elementary schooler’s ability to read doesn’t mean you should drop the visuals entirely. The right hemisphere of the brain is in charge of self-regulation. Regardless of age, the right hemisphere also processes information in images, so it’s important to show children visual images of acceptable behaviors. The more consistent and visually represented your daily routines are, the more likely children are to be successful in meeting your expectations (and the more smoothly and cooperatively your day will run).

They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and if you feel like you’ve reminded your child what to do 999 times, then a clear Visual Routine is an essential solution. Children require high levels of repetition and patience because they are just beginning to develop Executive Skills. Visual Routines scaffold emerging Executive Skills like time management, organization and follow-through. Strong Visual Routines help model and build these skills. Simply refer to the Visual Routine and soon your child will do the same.

It’s helpful to post Visual Routines for everything from your daily schedule to your bedtime routine, and it’s completely essential to create clear Visual Routines for times/events that regularly create difficulty in your day. State your routines clearly in pictures and words, and post them throughout the home where those routines occur.