​Morning Arrival Routine

Design an arrival routine that is accessible, customized, and purposeful for each student. This time of day is ideal for fostering independence, supporting orientation, and introducing the day’s expectations. Arrival Routine Components:

Check-In & Attendance

​Use a tactile, large print, and/or braille "attendance board" or sign-in chart. Options include:
  • Name/photo/object symbol with Velcro: student moves it from “absent” to “present”
  • Name in print and braille (for potential braille readers)
  • Name stamp for students learning signature
  • Large print signature line for students with low vision

Social Greetings

Greet each student at the door with:
  • A personalized greeting (“Good morning, Marcus!”)
  • A physical greeting (handshake, fist bump, elbow bump) depending on what is modeled and appropriate
  • Practice social language: “How are you?” “I’m happy to see you!”

Unpack & Organize

Students practice:
  • Locating their backpack
  • Unzipping and opening their own bag (great for fine motor practice!)
  • Removing their communication folder and placing it in a labeled tray or bin
  • Hanging up coats/backpacks on hooks labeled with their name in print/braille
​Routines reinforce:
  • Literacy (reading names, symbols)
  • Orientation and organization (navigating the space)
  • Daily living skills (managing fasteners, organization)

Preview the Day

Briefly describe anything unusual or special that differs from the student’s typical routine (e.g., fire drill, guest speaker, field trip). Use:
  • Object calendars, tactile symbols, or visual schedules
  • First-Then boards or “Today/Not Today” routines to increase understanding

Afternoon Departure Routine

The departure routine provides another opportunity to develop independence, self-organization, and self-care skills. Departure Routine Components:

Pack-Up

Students practice:
  • Unzipping their backpack
  • Placing folders and personal items inside independently
  • Checking a packing checklist (visual, tactile, or auditory)
  • Organizing materials into folders/binders as needed

Dressing

Encourage independence in dressing for home:
  • Putting on coats or jackets
  • Engaging zippers, buttons, or snaps
  • Placing arms in sleeves correctly
  • Donning hats, mittens, or adaptive winter gear
  • Use hand-under-hand modeling if needed, fading assistance over time

Sign-Out

  • Student returns their name/object/symbol to the “out” column or uses a sign-out board
  • Optional: Say a personalized goodbye to encourage social exchange and reinforce routine (“See you tomorrow, Maya!”)

​Tips for Successful Routines

  • Use consistent prompts and language each day
  • Provide extra processing time before each step
  • Reinforce routines with:
    • Songs or chants for arrival and departure
    • Step-by-step stories or social scripts
  • Consider creating a tactile/visual schedule book for each student with removable icons/symbols
  • Celebrate success with praise, checklists, or a finished box

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