Tier 1 · Universal
Predictable routines and visual schedules
Post the day’s schedule and step-by-step routines so students know what’s coming.
How to do it
- Post a daily schedule with times (or pictures for younger students) and review it each morning.
- Create short step lists for common routines: “Start of class: 1. Sharpen pencil 2. Copy agenda 3. Start warm-up.”
- Preview any changes to the schedule as early as possible.
- For individual students, provide a desk or folder copy they can check off.
- Use timers so students can see how much time is left.
Why it works
- Predictability lowers anxiety and resistance
- Reduces repeated questions and wasted time
- Helps students with attention or memory difficulties
When to use it
- Every classroom, every day
- For students who struggle with transitions or change
- Before schedule changes, assemblies, or days with a cover teacher
Tips and pitfalls
- Give a warning before transitions: “Five more minutes, then we clean up.”
- For students who find change hard, keep a “surprise” or “change” card to show that something different is happening.
Helps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behaviour.
Tier 2 · Targeted