Visual Schedule Picture-Card Circuit
A six-station circuit where each group follows a visual schedule of picture cards showing the order, the task, and when each station ends. It is a predictable structure designed for students with autism that helps the whole class work independently.
How to play
- Set up six stations, each with a large picture card: hoop jumps, walking the gym bench, log rolls on a mat, tossing a soft ball at a cone, cone zigzag, and a calm-down corner.
- Each group of 4 gets a cardstock strip with the six picture cards in its order. Explain in 3 minutes: "Check my schedule, do the station, take the card off."
- On the whistle, each group goes to its first station and repeats it for 2 minutes.
- To switch, the teacher holds up a red card and gives a short whistle: students stop, peel off the finished card, and walk to the next station.
- After all six, each group rearranges its cards and repeats three stations of its choice for 4 minutes. The calm-down corner is always open.
Rules
- Walk between stations.
- Only one student at a time on the bench and the mat.
- Follow the schedule order until the final phase.
- Using the calm-down corner is everyone's right, and nobody teases.
Variations
Easier
Four stations with a picture card and a real photo of the exercise.
Standard
Six 2-minute stations with a visual schedule for each group.
Harder
Each station has two difficulty cards and the group chooses.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: every card has an adapted version, such as seated tossing or a wheelchair zigzag with wider cone spacing.
- Autism: preview the schedule the day before, always use the same cards, and give a one-minute warning before each switch.
- Skill level: students who master it act as schedule manager or count their reps.
Learning goals
- Follow a task sequence independently using visual information.
- Perform a variety of fundamental movement skills.
- Recognize and manage their own need for a break.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cardstock: 7
- hoops: 6
- cones: 10
- gym bench: 1
- mats: 2
- soft balls: 4
Teacher tip
Use picture symbols from a free library and laminate them. Keep the stations in the same spots for several lessons, because predictability is the key.
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