Photo TV Choice Board

I'll admit it...my kids watch entirely too much TV.  Until today, that is!

When I was a practicing speech pathologist, I made choice boards and picture communication boards for many of my students.  Since these devices work for children who can't verbally express themselves, I figured, "why not use one with The Noise Maker?" (who screams in frustration when I don't understand which show he wants to watch)...

How would this help cut back on TV-watching you might ask?  Because each kiddo will get to choose ONE show to watch in the morning, instead of me just turning on the TV and letting it play.  When their two shows are over, so is TV time.

Choice boards are very visual things...and my kids (as are most at this age) are VERY visual!  These can work for almost anything...snack time, play time/toys, television, and even basic wants/needs for the non-verbal child.

Supplies needed:

1. Old cookie sheet or other magnetic surface

2. Magnetic Tape (I got mine at Hobby Lobby)

3. Photos of desired shows (or foods, toys, etc.)

I printed these photos from Google Images, adhered them to carstock for durability, and then laminated them.

All you have to do is tear a piece of magnetic tape and adhere it to the back of each photo:

Then place the photos on a cookie sheet and either attach to refrigerator with heavy duty magnets, or place in a drawer to store.

I plan to keep mine in a drawer so that I can use the back of it to store photos of more shows:

To use, ask the child which show they want to watch and allow them to pull off the photo of the show, eliminating the need for a verbal response to communicate the need/want.  The words will eventually come, but until then...no more screaming when I don't understand the Noise Maker's requests....AND I can easily teach moderation of TV viewing at the same time!

TA-DA!!!  :)