"The Lord has given Primary leaders an important charge to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all children, including those who have disabilities. Like all other children, those who have disabilities can be touched by the Spirit and blessed by caring teachers and leaders in Primary. Integrating children with disabilities into Primary offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and development for the disabled children, for the other children, and for their leaders. Children with disabilities have the same needs as all children: they need to feel loved, accepted, and understood; they need to feel the Spirit as they learn about the Savior and His gospel; and they need to participate successfully in Primary. Children with disabilities also need to feel the joy that comes from serving others". http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4847-1,00.html
Many Primary leaders are faced with the challenge of meeting the needs of children with disabilities. The first line of help is visiting with the parents to receive insight and direction. This post will focus on one commonly used resource, the visual schedule. For many children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a predictable, consistent routine helps to minimize agitation.
Visual Schedules
The most common method of creating visual schedules is to have individually titled pictures representing the different parts of an activity posted consecutively. As each part is completed the picture is removed so that the child can prepare for what is next. The post title picture is an examples of what these picture look like. A set of commonly used Sunday Primary activities can be requested by e-mail to joytuckett@sbcglobal.net. Specify if you want a PDF or Word version.
Directions:
- Cut individual pictures into squares (about 1.25 inches)
- Laminate and cut into individual pictures
- Place a piece of the "loop" side of self-adhesive Velcro on the back of each picture
- Create a timeline by placing the "hook" side of a strip of self-adhesive Velcro on a notebook, loose leaf binder, clipboard, or ruler.
- Use the laminated pictures to sequence the Primary schedule on the timeline. (Example for Closing Exercises: Quiet Song, Scripture, Bishopric Visit, Presidency Message, Talks, Quiet Song, Closing Prayer, Time to Go Home)
- The child will remove the picture and place it in an envelope or other container as each part of the schedule is completed.
- Provide a second line to place needs such as "Get a Drink", "Walk for one minute", or "Go Potty". The child will then have the option of communicating these needs easily with the teacher.
