Making Playtime Fun and Structured with Visual Supports

Playtime is an essential part of a child’s development. It’s when they learn, explore, and have fun. For kids who need a bit more structure, like those with autism or other special needs, visual supports can make playtime even better. Here’s how you can use visual tools to make playtime smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

 Understanding Visual Supports

Visual supports are tools that use pictures, symbols, or words to help kids understand what’s happening. Common types of visual supports include:

• Visual Schedules: Show what activities are planned and in what order.

• Choice Boards: Offer a selection of activities or items to choose from.

• First-Then Boards: Show what comes first and what happens next.

• Social Stories: Explain activities or social situations step by step.

• Visual Timers: Help kids see how much time they have for an activity.

 Benefits of Visual Supports During Playtime

1. Reduce Anxiety: Knowing what’s next helps kids feel more secure.

2. Boost Communication: Kids can use pictures to show what they want or need.

3. Promote Independence: Visuals help kids do things on their own.

4. Support Learning: Visuals reinforce concepts like colors and numbers.

5. Enhance Social Skills: Structured play helps kids learn to take turns and share.

 Incorporating Visual Supports into Playtime

1. Visual Schedules:

A visual schedule shows the order of activities. You can use pictures or symbols to represent each activity. Go over the schedule with your child at the start of playtime.

Example:

•  Free Play

•  Puzzle Time

•  Snack Time

•  Outdoor Play

•  Cleanup

1. Choice Boards:

A choice board gives your child options for what to do next. They can pick from a few activities, giving them some control over their playtime.

Example:

•  Building Blocks

•  Coloring

•  Playdough

•  Storytime

1. First-Then Boards: 

A first-then board shows what needs to be done first and what happens next. This is great for helping kids transition from one activity to another.

Example:

•  First: Finish Puzzle

•  Then: Play with Cars

1. Social Stories:

Social stories explain activities or social situations. They show each step of an activity and what’s expected. This helps kids understand what to do.

Example:

A story about playing with friends might include pictures showing how to greet, share, and take turns.

1. Visual Timers:

A visual timer shows how much time is left for an activity. This helps kids manage their time and prepares them for transitions.

Example:

Set a visual timer for 15 minutes of playdough time, followed by 10 minutes of reading.

 Tips for Successful Implementation

• Start Simple: Begin with one or two visual supports and add more as your child gets used to them.

• Be Consistent: Use visual supports regularly so your child knows what to expect.

• Get Your Child Involved: Let your child help make and update the visual supports. This makes them more engaged.

• Praise Efforts: Give positive feedback when your child follows the visual supports.

• Be Flexible: Adjust the visual supports as needed based on what works best for your child.

 Conclusion

Visual supports can make playtime more structured and less stressful for kids. They help with communication, reduce anxiety, and promote independence. Whether you use visual schedules, choice boards, first-then boards, social stories, or visual timers, these tools can turn playtime into a smoother, happier experience for everyone. Try incorporating some of these visual supports into your child’s playtime and see the difference they can make!