Tag: teaching

Visual Choice Boards for Learning about Numbers, Colors and Shapes

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Learning with Visual Choice Boards

Math can look very different from one learner to another. For some students, especially children in special education, autism, or students who are non-speaking or use AAC, a traditional worksheet may not always be the best way to show what they know.

That’s where math visual choice boards can make a big difference.

Visual choice boards give students clear, simple choices while helping make math activities more predictable and accessible. They can be especially helpful for students who benefit from visual supports, AAC, structured activities, and reduced language demands.

If you’re looking for an easy way to bring more visual support into your math routine, these Math Visual Choice Boards from ClassroomTab Books are designed with accessibility in mind.

What Are Math Visual Choice Boards?

A visual choice board uses pictures, symbols, words, or a combination of these to help students understand their options.

Instead of asking a student a broad question like, “What math activity would you like to do?”, a choice board can provide a few clear options.

For example, a student might choose between:

  • Counting
  • Matching numbers
  • Number identification
  • Shapes

The visual format can help students understand what is expected and communicate their choice more independently.

For children who are non-speaking or use AAC, visual choices can also provide another meaningful way to participate and communicate during math.

Why Use Visual Supports for Math?

Math instruction can sometimes involve a lot of verbal directions, abstract concepts, and multiple steps. For students with autism and other learning needs, visual supports can help make those expectations easier to understand.

Math visual choice boards can help students:

Practice functional communication

Make a choice independently

Understand the activity before beginning

  • Reduce the amount of verbal prompting needed
  • Participate in math activities in a more accessible way
  • Build confidence with independent work
  • Connect communication and academic learning

The goal isn’t to make math easier just for the sake of making it easier. The goal is to give students a way into the activity.

Designed for Two Abilities

One of the helpful features of these printable math visual choice boards is that they are available for two ability levels.

This makes it easier to provide the same type of visual structure while adjusting the activity to meet individual student needs.

That can be especially useful in special education classrooms where students may be working on very different skills during the same math block. You can use the choice boards for:

One-to-one instruction

Special education math instruction

Autism classrooms

Self-contained classrooms

Resource rooms

  • One-to-one instruction
  • Small-group math
  • Independent work
  • Visual schedules and structured work systems
  • AAC-supported learning

Two Sizes for Flexible Classroom Use

The printable choice boards come in two sizes, giving you flexibility depending on how you plan to use them.

A larger format can work well when the board needs to be displayed or easily seen during a lesson. A smaller format can be useful for individual student work, desks, binders, folders, or portable communication supports.

Having different sizes means you can choose what works best for your classroom setup and your students.

Math + AAC = More Opportunities to Communicate

For students who use AAC, academic activities can be an important opportunity for communication.

A math activity doesn’t have to be separate from communication practice.

A student can use a visual choice board to communicate:

“I want this.”

“I choose counting.”

“I’m finished.”

“I need help.”

Or simply make a choice between two activities/answers.

These small moments can create meaningful opportunities for students to practice functional communication while participating in academic learning.

Visual supports can also help reduce the pressure of having to understand a long

verbal question before responding.

A Great Addition to Your Special Education Math Toolbox

Teachers and support staff often need resources that are simple to prepare and easy to use.

That’s one reason printable resources can be so helpful.

You can print the Math Visual Choice Boards, prepare them for your classroom, and add them to the routines you already have in place.

Keeping Math Positive and Predictable

For many students, knowing what is going to happen next can make classroom routines feel more manageable.

A visual choice board gives students information before they begin. Instead of math feeling like an unexpected demand, students can see their options and have a role in deciding what comes next.

That little bit of control can be powerful.

And sometimes the simplest classroom supports are the ones we reach for again and again.

Get the Math Visual Choice Boards on TPT

If you’re looking for printable math activities for special education, visual supports for students with autism, or resources that can be paired with AAC, take a look at the Math Visual Choice Boards – ClassroomTab Books AAC resource on Teachers Pay Teachers.

With two ability levels and two printable sizes, the resource is designed to give you flexibility while supporting students with different learning and communication needs.

[Shop the Math Visual Choice Boards on TPT]

Simplify Routines with First Next Then Visual Schedules

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If you’ve ever found yourself repeating, “First put your shoes on, then we can play,” you’re not alone. I have! My children need clear, visual reminders of what comes next—especially those who thrive on routine and predictability.

A First Next Then visual schedule chart is one of the most effective tools I’ve used for helping young students understand expectations, transition between activities, and build independence in the classroom, at home or during therapy sessions.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, homeschooler, or therapist, try these simple visual support to make your daily routines smoother and reduce frustration for everyone.

What Is a First Next Then Visual Schedule?

A First Next Then chart is a visual schedule that breaks tasks into manageable steps.

Instead of giving multiple verbal directions, children see exactly what happens:

First: Complete the current task.

Next: See what comes after.

Then: Enjoy a preferred activity or continue with the daily routine.

Simple sequences helps children understand that every activity has a beginning, middle, and end.

Who Benefits from a First Next Then Chart?

Visual schedules are helpful for many children, including:

  • Special Education
  • Children with autism
  • Students with ADHD
  • Preschool and kindergarten learners
  • Children with speech or language delays
  • Early learners building independence
  • Any child who benefits from predictable routines

Because visuals stay consistent, I often find my students refering back to them without relying on repeated verbal reminders.

Benefits of Using a First Next Then Visual Schedule

Reduces Anxiety –

Knowing what comes next helps children feel more secure during transitions.

Encourages Independence

Children begin checking the chart instead of asking what they should do next.

Supports Positive Behavior

Clear expectations often reduce power struggles and improve cooperation.

Builds Executive Function Skills

Children practice planning, sequencing, and completing tasks independently.

Makes Transitions Easier

Moving from preferred to non-preferred activities becomes more predictable.

Ways to Use a First Next Then Chart

Your visual schedule can be used throughout the day in class or at home.

Examples include:

Morning Routine

  • First: Get dressed
  • Next: Brush teeth
  • Then: Eat breakfast

Classroom

  • First: Morning work
  • Next: Reading
  • Then: Centers

Homework Time

  • First: Math
  • Next: Reading
  • Then: Screen time

Therapy Sessions

  • First: Complete activity
  • Next: Sensory break
  • Then: Choice reward

Why Teachers Love Visual Schedules

Teachers often use visual supports because they:

  • Reduce repetitive instructions
  • Improve classroom routines
  • Help students transition calmly
  • Encourage independent work
  • Support inclusive classrooms

I always keep multiple First Next Then charts ready for individualized supports.

Features of This Printable First Next Then Visual Schedule

This resource is printable and designed to be practical, durable, and easy to customise.

Included:

  • Printable First Next Then chart
  • Simple visual layout
  • Easy-to-read design
  • Black-and-white friendly option
  • Classroom and home use
  • Laminating-friendly pages for repeated use

Perfect for:

  • Special education classrooms
  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • HomeschoolOccupational therapySpeech therapyABA sessionsHome routines

Tips for Success

To get the best results with this support:

  • Introduce one routine at a time.
  • Keep language simple.
  • Pair visuals with consistent verbal prompts.
  • Celebrate completed tasks.
  • Let children move or check off completed activities whenever possible.

Consistency is the key to making visual schedules successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a First Next Then chart for?

Most children ages 2–8 benefit, but visual schedules can support older students with additional learning needs as well.

Can I laminate it?

Yes! Laminating the chart allows you to use dry-erase markers or attach reusable picture cards with hook-and-loop dots.

Can it be used at home?

Absolutely. Parents often use First Next Then charts for bedtime, morning routines, chores, homework, and transitions.

Get Your Printable First Next Then Visual Schedule

If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce daily stress, encourage independence, and create smoother routines, this printable visual schedule is a great place to start.

It is designed for busy teachers, parents, therapists, and homeschool families who want an effective visual support that’s simple to print and use immediately.

Ready to simplify routines? Download your First Next Then Visual Schedule Chart today from my Teachers Pay Teachers store and start building more confident, independent learners.

Pick up A FREEBIE – First next then visual schedules on TPT

Teaching Children to Accept No: Essential Skills for Success

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For many children, hearing the word “no” can be one of the biggest challenges they face each day. Whether it’s being told they can’t have another turn, can’t play with a preferred toy, or need to wait, these moments can lead to frustration, disappointment, or big emotions.

The good news is that accepting “no” is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and reinforced with consistent support.

Why Is Hearing “No” So Difficult?

Children are still developing the skills needed for emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving. For many students, especially those with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or other learning differences, unexpected changes or denied requests can feel overwhelming.

Instead of assuming children already know how to respond, we can explicitly teach:

  • How to stay calm.
  • Safe ways to express feelings.
  • Positive choices they can make next.
  • What expected behavior looks like in different situations.

The Power of Social Stories

Social stories provide a clear, predictable way to introduce social expectations. They help children understand not only what is expected but also why certain behaviors are helpful.

Reading a social story before challenging situations gives students a chance to practice appropriate responses in a calm, supportive environment rather than learning in the middle of a difficult moment.

Reinforcement Makes the Difference

Learning doesn’t stop after reading a story. Children benefit from seeing and practicing the skill in different ways.

Activities such as:

  • Interactive comprehension books
  • Behavior sorting games
  • Visual reminder cards
  • Choice boards
  • Coloring pages

help reinforce the same concept through repetition and hands-on learning. Using the same language and visuals across the classroom creates consistency, making it easier for students to remember what to do when they hear “no.”

Supporting Success Every Day

Teaching children to accept “no” isn’t about expecting perfect behavior. It’s about helping them build lifelong skills for handling disappointment, waiting patiently, solving problems, and communicating appropriately.

With consistent practice, encouragement, and visual supports, students gain confidence in managing their emotions and making positive choices, both in the classroom and beyond.

If you’re looking for ready-to-use resources, my “When Someone Says NO” Social Story and Activities includes an engaging social story, interactive comprehension book, behavior sorting game, lanyard visuals, choice boards, coloring pages, and printable visual supports designed to help students learn and practice this essential social skill in a meaningful way.

Click here For More Social Skills Stories and Activities

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Asking for a Break! The Easy Way to Teach Nonverbal Students.

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How to Teach Nonverbal Students

For many nonverbal students, challenging moments don’t come out of nowhere. They build quietly. Sensory overload, frustration, or just needing a pause. The challenge is not the feeling itself, it is not having a clear way to say, “I need a break.”

The good news? Asking for a break is a skill you can teach, and once it clicks, it can completely shift the tone of your classroom.

Start with a Simple Way to Communicate

Think of this as giving your student a “pause button.”

Choose one clear, consistent method:

  • A break card with a simple symbol
  • A button on an AAC device
  • A sign or gesture

Keep it easy, accessible, and always within reach. If it takes effort to find, it will not get used when it matters most.

Model It Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Students will not magically know what the break card means. You need to show them.

Use it yourself. Yes, really.

Pick a calm moment and say, “I need a break,” while using the card or device. Keep the language short and consistent. You are building a connection between the action and the meaning.

Over time, start to fade that support. The goal is independence, not perfection.

Honour the Break (This Part Is Everything)

When a student asks for a break, respond like it matters. Because it does.

  • Give the break right away
  • Keep it short and predictable (around 3–5 minutes)
  • Use a consistent break space or activity

This teaches one powerful lesson: communication works.

Teach the “When,” Not Just the “How”

Once the skill is there, you can shape it.

Help students understand timing:

  • Use visuals like “first work, then break”
  • Start small (one task, then break)
  • Slowly build up tolerance

This keeps the strategy practical for real classroom routines.

Use Visual Supports to Make It Click

Visuals reduce guesswork and lower stress.

Helpful tools include:

  • Break cards
  • Visual timers
  • Simple schedules

These act like a roadmap, showing students what is happening now and what comes next.

A Few Pitfalls to Skip

Even great strategies can wobble if these sneak in:

  • Waiting until the student is already overwhelmed
  • Saying “not now” when they request a break
  • Turning breaks into a reward or punishment
  • Removing the communication tool

Consistency is what makes the skill stick

The Bigger Picture

Teaching a student to ask for a break is not just about avoiding meltdowns. It is about giving them a voice, a sense of control, and a safer way to navigate their day.

And once that “pause button” is in place, everything else becomes a little more manageable. For them, and for you.

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Effective Emotion Check-in Tools for Autism

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Feelings Check-in Tools

In Special Education classrooms, emotional regulation is not extra. It is foundational. Many of our students are still learning the language of feelings, and some of our learners with autism rely heavily on visual structure to make sense of their world.

That is where “I Feel I Need Visual Autism | Emotional Regulation | steps in like a steady stream.

This visual, Emotions check-in tool gives students clear, concrete choices when emotions start to rise. Instead of saying, “Calm down,” we can say, “Let’s check in.” That small shift changes everything.

What Makes It Powerful

This resource includes:

• Emotion visuals to identify
• A Regulation Check-in List
• Choice Boards with Visuals
• Color board Choices

Each section uses clear visuals and simple language designed specifically for PreK through 2nd grade learners, especially those who benefit from structured supports.

For many students in special education settings, visuals reduce anxiety because they remove guesswork. When students can see their options, they feel more in control. And when they feel in control, regulation becomes possible.

Why It Works in Preschool and Special Ed

Young children are concrete thinkers. Abstract ideas like “self-regulation” can feel invisible. Visual supports turn coping strategies into something tangible they can point to, flip through, and choose.

This tool works beautifully in:

• Calm Down Corners
• Autism Support Classrooms
• Inclusion Settings
• SEL Lessons
• School Counseling Spaces

It also supports independence, which is gold in early childhood classrooms. Instead of relying solely on adult prompting, students begin to initiate strategies on their own.

When we give children visual tools, we are not just managing behavior. We are teaching lifelong skills. We are helping them build their own emotional toolbox, one choice at a time.

For More Ideas and Resources Check out my TPT Store Here

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More Calm Down Tools to try.

Calm Down Corner tools, Token Reward Boards & Choice Menu: Behavior

The Ultimate collection of Calming down tools

I Feel I Need Visual Autism | Emotional Regulation | Calm Down Corner Printables

Calm Down Corner Printable Strategies, Posters, Breathing visuals and more

Calm Down Corner Printables for PreK SPED | Behavior Self Regulation Toolkit