Visuals for Behavior Management

 Using Visual Cue Cards to Support Students Across the School Day

Visual cue cards are one of the simplest — and most powerful — tools you can use to help students understand expectations, follow routines, and feel calm and confident in different school environments.

Whether it’s in the classroom, the dining hall, or outside during recess, visual cues offer clear, consistent communication — especially helpful for students who are neurodivergent, have communication difficulties, or just benefit from extra structure.

Here’s a guide to setting up and using visual cue cards across key parts of the school day. 

1. In the Classroom: Helping Students Stay Focused and Calm

Visual cue cards in the classroom can:

• Support transitions

• Reinforce expectations

• Prompt behavior gently

• Promote independence

 Common Classroom Cue Cards:

• Sit down

• Listen

• Good looking / Good sitting

• Put your hand up

• Quiet voice

• First work, then reward

• Break time

• Finished

• Well done! / Great effort!

 How to Set Up:

• Print cards with both symbols/pictures and text

• Laminate them for durability

• Keep them on a ring, lanyard, or small folder for quick access

• Use them proactively and positively, not just reactively

Tips:

• Teach the meaning of each cue before using them regularly

• Pair the visual with simple language (e.g., show “Quiet Voice” and say, “Let’s use quiet voices now.”)

• Praise when students respond well to a cue

2. In the Dining Hall: Supporting Calm and Respectful Mealtimes

The dining hall can be noisy and overwhelming for many students. Cue cards can help by setting clear, consistent expectations.

 Common Dining Hall Cue Cards:

• Line up

• Hold your tray

• Use quiet voice

• Wait your turn

• Eat nicely

• Use fork/spoon

• Stay seated

• All done? Put rubbish in the bin

• Well done eating!

 How to Set Up:

• Create a portable cue card set on a ring or small flipbook

• Use real-life photos or clear symbols (e.g., a child holding a tray, or sitting at a table)

• Store near the entrance or on the teacher/assistant supervising lunch

Tips:

• Show the cards before entering the dining area to prepare students

• Point to the visuals while calmly guiding behavior

• Use reward cards or praise when expectations are followed (e.g., “Great job waiting your turn!”)

3. Outside at Recess/Playtime: Supporting Safe and Fun Play

Outdoor time is exciting — and sometimes overwhelming. Visual cue cards help students understand boundaries and play safely with others.

 Common Playground Cue Cards:

• Take turns

• Use kind hands

• Ask to join in

• Stop and listen

• Come here

• Time to line up

• Toileting

• Quiet time/break

• Safe hands / feet on the ground

 How to Set Up:

• Use larger laminated cards on a lanyard or key ring for durability

• Choose visuals that are bold and clear, visible even from a short distance

• Practice using them during structured play first (e.g., during PE)

Tips:

• Teach and rehearse playground expectations with the visuals in a lesson or story

• Use cue cards to guide students through small conflicts (“Let’s use ‘Take turns’”)

• Reinforce positive interactions with praise or a reward cue (e.g., “High five!” or “You did it!

Storage Ideas:

• Lanyard: Easy to wear and grab while on duty

• Plastic wallet or zip pouch: For desk or tote bag

• Hooked near doorways: So staff can grab them quickly when transitioning between settings

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Why It Works

Visual cue cards are:
 Clear and consistent
 Great for all communication levels
 Calming for anxious students
 Reinforcing for positive behavior
 Easy for all staff to use

Visual cue cards don’t need to be fancy to be effective. Start with just a few key cues for each setting, teach them clearly, and keep them visible. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly your day runs — and how empowered your students feel.

 Visual Cue Cards 

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