How to Use Picture Rules in the Entryway

Visual Expectations show children exactly what to do in a given situation. Sometimes when we set a Visual Expectation, children don’t necessarily “receive” the message. In these cases, more support is needed! It may be helpful to create a Picture Rule, offer additional verbal reminders, and practice, practice, practice.

Shubert and Sophie had a hard time remembering to stow their shoes properly, even though the bin was labeled with a photo (Visual Expectation) of the shoes neatly stowed in the bin. Mom used the P.E.A.C.E. Process to state the problem at a family meeting and come up with the solution to post Picture Rules for the shoes and practice together.

Picture Rules are formatted in the “do, do, don’t” style of the classroom Picture Rule Cards sold by Conscious Discipline. You will need two pictures of acceptable behaviors and one picture of an unsafe behavior with a red X through it. The new Picture Rule for the shoe area depicts: You may put your shoes in the bin toes first. You may put your shoes in the bin heel first. You may not leave your shoes on the floor. Another Picture Rule for the entryway might show, “You may hang your jacket on a hanger. You may hang your jacket on a wall hook. You may not leave your jacket on the floor.”

While you may get tired of stating the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, your Picture Rules are always there to provide consistent visual reminders for children. The more information we give children about our expectations, the more likely they are to cooperate, keep it safe and succeed.

*To learn more about how teachers use Picture Rule Cards in the classroom, check out the product video for Shubert’s Classroom Picture Rule Cards.