Front of folder:

Using a letter sized folder, preferrably a colored plastic one for durability, make this folder to help smooth over transitions and as an aid to understanding the day's activities.

attach fuzzy velcro to all picture cards
cut a strip of self-sticking rough velcro or rough velcro dots to the front of the folder
outline a square in permanent marker and mark "NOW" at the bottom
stick rough velcro dot on top of the "NOW" box
cut open slit for "FINISHED" with x-acto blade and mark the area "FINISHED"

These folders are transportable! Take them with you for your day in the car doing errands, or make one to take on vacations or trips.

Select the activities that are going to happen, and place them in top to bottom order. Be sure to end with, or include, activities recognized as "treats". Place the current activity in the "NOW" box. When that activity is finished, place it through the slit in the "FINISHED" area, to be stored inside the folder. Put the new current activity in the "NOW" box.

Inside the folder:

Keep the picture cards which show options for the day inside the folder. Allow child to choose the "treat" at the end of the required activities.

attach fuzzy velcro to the top and bottom of the left side, and rough velcro to the top and bottom of the right side (this will keep the folder shut)
make a pocket for finished cards on the left inside page by attaching an index card with packing tape
store unused picture cards on this page using strips of velcro or in a ziploc bag attached with velcro

Select the activities that are going to happen, and place them in top to bottom order. Be sure to end with, or include, activities recognized as "treats". Place the current activity in the "NOW" box. When that activity is finished, place it through the slit in the "FINISHED" area, to be stored inside the folder. Put the new current activity in the "NOW" box.

Tips:
rough velcro goes on stable surfaces, and fuzzy velcro goes on moving surfaces
clean velcro glue off scissors with alcohol


Thanks to Elizabeth Byers, therapist, Fayetteville TEACCH Center