Do you have students in your Sunday School classroom who struggle with transitions? Do they constantly ask, “When will this part be over?” or “What are we doing next?” Knowing what to expect can be very empowering, especially for children with anxiety. Children’s ministry environments are no different. Tools like visual schedules, social stories, and welcome videos can help set clear expectations and reduce anxiety. Visual schedules are one of my favorite and most effective tools. They could make a big difference in your Sunday School classroom, whether or not you have kids with diagnosed disabilities.

What does your typical Sunday morning schedule look like? It might include something like this:

• Welcome

• Games and coloring

• Transition to large group

• Worship

• Memory verse

• Bible story

• Worship

• Review and prayer

• Game

• Transition back to small group

• Discussion

• Craft

• Time to go home

A visual schedule is simply a list of activities in chronological order, often with a symbol representing each one. For instance, “worship” might be shown by a picture of a person singing, and “memory verse” by a Bible image. The symbols can come from programs such as Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols® or PECS® (Picture Exchange Communication System). You could also use graphics from a Google search or actual photos. While images aren’t necessary, they can be helpful for younger children who can’t read yet or for visual learners and students with learning differences.

There are several ways to incorporate a visual schedule in the Sunday School classroom. You can display it in a prominent place and refer to it throughout the morning. For students who struggle with transitions or constantly ask, “What’s next?” having their own personal visual schedule might be helpful. They can hold it and check off activities as they’re completed. If your schedule stays mostly the same each week, consider laminating the visual schedule and giving students a dry-erase marker to cross off activities as they go. Giving students this small sense of control– either by checking off activities or knowing what’s up next – can be a game-changer for some kids.

At my church, the children’s ministry team expanded on the visual schedule concept by projecting it onto a large screen in the kids’ worship area. As each part of the large group time finishes—worship, memory verse, etc.—students make a big sweeping checkmark in the air while a checkmark icon appears on the screen. This keeps students engaged and on track while also helping those who need to know what’s coming up next.

Here’s a tip: Some students with anxiety can benefit from helping create the schedule, not just following it. You could involve them by letting them write in each activity next to the picture or by having them match an icon to each activity. When offering choices, though, be sure the options you provide are appropriate and desired outcomes for your classroom environment.

Lastly, remember that visual schedules are not just a “special needs ministry” thing. They’re a tool designed to assist a few, but they actually benefit everyone. It’s something every Sunday School classroom can use.

Beth Golik is the Ministry Director for Key Ministry, an organization that equips churches to welcome individuals and families affected by disability, particularly hidden disabilities. Visit keyministry.org to schedule a free consultation.