Whether you are homeschooling this year or choosing to go back in-person, establishing a routine is such an important step when creating healthy expectations for the first few weeks of school. Why is routine so important for our learners with special needs? Routine provides security, giving your child an expectation of what will happen and therefore reducing anxiety or fear of the unknown. So here are a few helpful hints to help establish a routine that works for you.
• Have a written and/or picture schedule of what the day will look like.
• Schedule in breaks and snacks for rest and fun.
• In the schedule, you can have a wild card, where your child can choose a fun activity for that day. (Maybe the activity is spontaneous or one of their favorites)
• Plan harder academic / homework tasks when your child is refreshed.
• Plan quiet time where your child can listen to an audio book or have quiet play.
Schedules and routines are a small step, but a smart step when creating an easier process for completing school or homework. Start somewhere, even if you’re not exactly sure what your schedule needs to be. Be assured though, that in the end, your child will thank you for having a
daily routine. Happy Scheduling!!