Check out these wonderful printables from the Head Start National Center for Inclusion! There are lots of ways to use these visuals. Remember- visuals are a great tool to share information with children AND for children to share information with you.
Everyone understands information differently. Using visuals can help people communicate better. If a child has a disability, is a multilingual learner, has experienced trauma, or is shy- verbal communication may be more difficult for them.
Introducing Visuals
Take the time to introduce visuals and strategies to children. You might try something simple like a "yes" and "no" visual to get them used to communicating with a visual. You can also start with familiar items and choices, for example choose 2 visuals that match snack options. Show the child both pictures. Point to each while to say it: "Would you like apples (point to apple picture) or some crackers (point to crackers)?" Wait at least 10 seconds before repeating. Watch closely to see if a child stares or gestures at one photo. They may indicate their choice in a subtle way.
Making Choices
Help children understand what their options are by showing visuals. Allow children to share their choices with you by pointing or watching where they look. Giving choices is a key strategy for promoting positive behavior. Try giving children the chance to choose what songs to sing, how to say hello at drop off, or choose what to eat.
Engaging Independently in Play
Give children ideas for how to play in different areas. You can prompt children to review some visuals and choose what kind of play to try. It can be overwhelming for some children to look at all the materials in blocks or art and make a choice. Visuals help them focus and choose where to start. This builds children's play skills and supports children's cognitive development as they try new things.
Supporting Social Interactions
Playing with others can be tough- even a lot of adults lack social skills. Giving children ideas of what to say and what to do can help them learn to play with others. You can also provide visuals for conversation topics on the table during lunch to encourage peer conversation. The Solutions Toolkit from Pyramid Model also provides visuals to help children solve social problems.
Understanding Routines and Transitions
Predictability and knowing what comes next helps children feel safe and calm. Visuals to help children understand daily routines or the steps to a familiar process (like washing hands) can reduce some of the complexity of everyday tasks. Young children can only follow 1-3 step directions. Breaking down tasks helps them learn to be more independent.
