As special education teachers, we are constantly looking for effective tools to support our students’ unique communication needs. One tool that has proven to be incredibly useful are visual supports. We use visuals all the time in our classrooms with our students. I made this set of visuals to wear on our lanyards, because they can go wherever you go! Having them color-coded and varying in size is super helpful to flip to the on you need – when you need it!
What Are Visual Support Lanyard Cue Cards?
Visual prompt lanyard cue cards are small, portable cards attached to a lanyard that teachers wear around their necks. These cards have visual cues and are designed to aid with communication and comprehension for students with special needs, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or speech and language impairments. Having visual supports helps remove the language barrier and helps students understand what is needed or being asked of them without having to process the verbal portion by itself.
Benefits of Using Lanyard Cue Cards
- Improved Communication:
- Non-Verbal Cues: For non-verbal or minimally verbal students, visual cues provide an alternative method to express needs and understand instructions. The visuals also help students with language processing difficulties.
- Consistency: Visual cards offer consistent messaging, helping students grasp and retain information better. Having the visuals that you can use with you on the go is even more beneficial.
- Behavior Management:
- Routine Reinforcement: Visual Cue cards can reinforce daily routines and expected behaviors, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. Visuals also help build independent functioning skills for our students.
- Immediate Access: Having the cards readily available allows for quick and effective intervention during times when you need to use visuals with your students and without having to search for what you need or without thinking (“Oh no, those visuals are in the classroom). They also help intervene quickly with behavioral incidences.
- Enhanced Independence:
- Visual Schedules: Students can follow visual schedules, promoting independence in completing tasks and transitioning between activities.
- Choice Making: Visual choice boards on lanyards empower students to make decisions, fostering autonomy.
How to Implement Visual Support Lanyard Cue Cards
- Select Appropriate Visuals:
- The visuals included on this set of lanyard visual prompts are clear, simple, and relevant to many students’ needs. They are color-coded and differentiated in size to make finding the one you need simple and quick.
- Train and Model:
- Consistently use the cue cards throughout the day. Model their use during instruction, transitions, and social interactions. Encourage students to refer to the cards as needed.
Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: Use the cards consistently across different settings and routines to reinforce their meaning and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with Colleagues: Ensure that all staff members who interact with the student are familiar with and use the cue cards to maintain consistency.
By incorporating visual support lanyard cue cards into your teaching practice, you can significantly enhance communication, behavior management, and independence for your students. These simple yet powerful tools can make a big difference in creating a supportive, inclusive, and effective learning environment.
