What visual instructions or reminder cues should be accessible to support performance of this self-regulation skill?
Below are several examples of visual instructions that would support practice of particular relaxation techniques. As with all strategies, some students will not respond to such techniques as visual imagery, deep breathing, or muscle relaxation exercises. The visual instructions can be laminated and carried to natural environments where the student is likely to experience anxiety:
What does it mean to “take deep breaths”? The “Smell the flower, blow out the candles” visual cue presents the steps of this relaxation technique:
Below is a card sets that describes the steps for deep breathing exercises without any picture cues:
Consider the “Quick Visualization Instructions” and accompanying “Soothing Scenes” Visual Cues.
Below are several card sets that depict the steps for muscle relaxation exercises:
Where should these visual instructions be placed?
Will they be kept in a notebook or in a desk drawer? Will a reference card be kept in a wallet or pocket, or even posted on the student’s desk or in his general work area? Wherever they are placed, it must be remembered that out-of-sight is often out-of-mind, and supports that are out-of-mind tend not to be used when needed!
In my design of each visual support, have I considered whether the student may need visual clarity cues (added to the environmental design, schedule, to-do list, graphic organizer, social narrative, and / or video model) to highlight (label) or emphasize key features or concepts?
If the student finds a specific imagery scene (such as the ocean or a waterfall) calming, how can you add the image to his schedule or to-do list? Perhaps the student finds self-affirmations and mantras calming. If so, try adding the mantra to the design of the student’s schedule, or even include “stating the mantra” as a task on the schedule as a preventative strategy.
In order to align this intervention topic area with the unique needs of the student, do you need to create visual instructions and reminder cues in the View2do program?
