Lesson Plan

Smooth Sailing Through School Transitions

Guide the student to preview school day transitions, recognize when transitions occur, and use visual cue cards and AAC for communication.

This lesson reduces anxiety by providing clear visual cues, promotes independence, and helps the student use preferred communication methods during stressful transitions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduction and Visual Cue Review (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Step 3

Activity: Transition Practice (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Step 4

Cool Down (5 minutes)

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Smooth Sailing!

This slide welcomes the student and sets a positive tone for the session. Use a bright and friendly greeting image and simple text.

What Are Transitions?

Explain that the day's activity will help us know when changes will happen. Use simple visuals showing a clock or calendar.

Our Visual Cue Cards

Present images of visual cue cards. Identify each card and its meaning (e.g., 'Time to pack up', 'Time for a new game'). Use simple language and gestures.

Practice Time!

Guide the student through an interactive activity. Use images that show a matching game; encourage the student to point, and model using AAC if needed.

Cool Down

Calmly signal the end of the session. Use soft visuals like a calm ocean or resting image to help the student relax post-activity.

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Activity

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Warm Up

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Cool Down

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Activity

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Smooth Sailing Through School Transitions: Navigating Change with Confidence

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Molly Mulhern

Tier 3
For Districts