Daily Planner for Classroom Management

Making Each Day Smoother: Using a Daily Visual Organiser in the Classroom

As teachers, we know how important structure, clarity, and motivation are in helping students thrive — especially for those who benefit from routine and visual support.

A Daily Visual Organiser (DVO) is a simple, effective classroom tool that helps students understand their day at a glance, stay on track, and feel motivated to do their best.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to set one up and use it, with key sections like a daily schedule, motivators, class rules, rewards, and task materials. It’s especially helpful for students with additional learning needs!

  

1. Daily Schedule: “What’s happening today?”

A clear, visual schedule helps reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Tips:

• Use icons or photos next to words (e.g., 📚 Reading, 🎨 Art, 🍎 Snack)

• Display it in order, and refer to it throughout the day

• Allow students to tick off or remove each item as it’s completed

Example:

• Morning Work

• Circle Time

• Literacy Centers

• Snack Break

• Outdoor Play

• Math Group

• Story Time

• Home Time

Keep it consistent, but update for special events.

2. Motivator Choices: “What can I work towards?”

Motivators help students stay engaged. A visual list of choices lets them feel in control.

Examples of motivators:

• 5 minutes on the iPad

• Time with a fidget toy

• Drawing time

• Choosing the next story

• Sit by a friend

• Help the teacher

Tip: Let students choose their motivator at the start of the day or task block. Show it on their organiser to remind them of their goal.

 3. Rules to Follow: “How do we work together?”

Keep a simple set of classroom rules displayed with visuals.

Common classroom rules:

• Listen with your ears 

• Keep hands and feet to yourself 

• Use kind words 

• Try your best 

• Ask for help 

Make sure these are positively worded, and teach them explicitly with role play and repetition.

 Why it Works

The Daily Visual Organiser helps:

• Reduce anxiety and becoming overwhelm

• Increase independence

• Encourage positive behavior

• Support executive functioning and focus

• Make transitions smoother

Whether you’re teaching one-on-one, in a small group, or a full classroom, this tool can be a game-changer, especially for neurodiverse learners.

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My Tips

• Use velcro, magnets, or whiteboards for flexibility

• Let students help set it up to build ownership

• Keep it visible and refer to it often

• Start small — even just 2 or 3 sections can make a big difference

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With a Daily Visual Organiser, every student can feel more confident and calm about their day — and you’ll spend less time repeating instructions and more time connecting with your class.

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