This is fundamental, and allows children to begin to make the connection between the spoken word, the symbol and the action.
Constant reference to the timetable, is essential throughout the day supported with single word vocabulary when using the symbols. It is vital that adults are fully attentive in the interaction with the children, engaging them in the use of the timetable. This usually helps children to understand experiences that involve change and transition and, therefore, reduces anxiety.Īdvantages include: Giving children more thinking time more time to process information communicated by practitioners and more opportunities for inclusive and enabling provision. The symbols are usually removed once an activity finishes, so that the children are aware that the next activity will be starting. It can be used for individual children or whole groups and must be easily visible at the children's eye level for ease of access. The visual images are usually displayed in a linear fashion, either vertically or horizontally, whatever best suits the space available. WHAT IS A VISUAL TIMETABLE?Ī visual timetable is a sequence of symbols, pictures or photographs that represent activities to show the children the likely routine throughout the day. All children follow their own unique path to their successes and it is imperative for practitioners to effectively support all children in their journey to be effective communicators through active learning and participation in daily activities. Recognising the importance of communication and language development within the early years is essential for inclusive practice. The positive impact of implementing a visual timetable, accessible for all children in a setting, is to promote two-way communication between practitioners and children, to increase independence, instil confidence and to reduce anxiety that can occur between transitions (Talking point, 2013). Symbol communication and visual representation is well recognised in mainstream settings as a useful resource for all children's development, allowing children time to understand routines, as well as supporting autonomy and choice making within the daily routine.Īlthough visual timetables have been part of good practice for a number of years, within special educational needs education, recent studies show that in some areas up to 50 percent of children are entering school with lower than expected language skills (Freeman et al, 2009). Symbols are also used as a communication aid to promote language development for children with communication delay. Visual timetables have been widely used to support children with additional needs by making routines ‘visual’ using symbols (all symbols used in this article are © Widgit symbols).
‘Recognising the importance of communication and language development within the early years is essential for inclusive practice’