Our days are organized around numerous actions we repeat over and over. What is your favourite daily ritual?
I spend a large amount of my time everyday with children and young people who have Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Autism is characterized by individuals’ difference in social interactions and repetitive and stereotypes interests. Most people with ASC, particularly my students, prefer visual representations, especially visual timetables. Visual timetables help make each school day predictable for people with ASC. By looking at their timetables, each pupil would know what activity they need to do next, and how long it is until home-time!
Putting up my each of my students’ visual timetables is the best daily ‘ritual’ that I have. I love starting the day by helping my students prepare for their day. ‘Timetable-time’ is also a great opportunity for me and my students to casually talk about what they did the night before, what they had for breakfast and what they would do after school. I also make sure that their mood is as positive as it could be by pointing out the exciting lessons and activities of each day.
I love this ritual more than anything else.
Oh, have I mentioned that I love my job because of my students? Well, I do, and this seemingly simple morning routine is one of the ways that I can make their day better.
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In response to today’s Daily Prompt: Just Another Day
Other entries:
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 
As the grandmother of a wonder 14-year-old boy with ASC, I can’t tell you how thankful I am for those who, like you,help make the lives of these kids productive and happy. My grandson was mainstreamed in junior high, and has a 4.0 gpa. He’s a sweetheart. It may not have turned out so well without the early intervention and other services he received.
In the beginning, I used to describe my job as ‘just another job’, but my students changed my perspective. I always thank them and their families (like yours) for teaching me a better way to view and live my life. I know that I wouldn’t have improved as an educator without them. 🙂