How many steps should a routine have?

This depends heavily on age and attention, but most young children manage best with three to six clear steps. We work through your specific routine during the session so the number of cards suits your child rather than following a generic template.

Do I need to be good at drawing or design?

Not at all — the cards can be built from simple printed images, photographs or basic symbols, and no artistic skill is required. The focus is on clarity and sequencing, not presentation.

What materials are provided or needed?

In-person sessions include card stock, images, laminating and all cutting tools, so you leave with a finished, durable set. For the online session, a materials list is sent in advance covering printable images, card and a home laminator or contact paper if available.

Will this work for a child who resists routines generally?

Visual routines tend to reduce resistance because they make expectations predictable and visible rather than verbal and repeated, though no tool works for every child every time. We spend time on introduction language specifically because how a routine is rolled out matters as much as the cards themselves.

Can I make more than one routine set in the hour?

The hour is focused on building one complete, usable set so you leave with something finished rather than several half-done ones. The templates and skills you take home make it straightforward to create additional routines afterwards.

Hands-on make & take

Designing Visual Routines and Transition Cards

Transitions are one of the most common flashpoints in a child's day, and a simple visual routine can turn a vague expectation into something a child can see, predict and follow independently. In this practical session you'll design and make your own set of transition cards, learn how to sequence a routine that actually reflects your day, and take away a laminated set ready to use immediately.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

For parents managing tricky morning or bedtime routines, and for educators supporting group transitions in a classroom or childcare room.

What we cover in the hour

Why visual supports reduce anxiety and resistance around transitions.
How to choose the right number of steps for a child's age and attention span.
Photo-based versus symbol-based cards, and which suits your child better.
Sequencing a routine that reflects your actual day rather than an idealised one.
How to introduce a new routine chart without it feeling like a big change.
Adjusting the routine as a child grows or circumstances shift.

What you'll leave with

A laminated set of transition cards for one routine, made during the session.
A simple sequencing template to design further routines at home.
Guidance on the right number of steps for your child's current stage.
Introduction language for rolling out the new routine without resistance.
A plan for where to display the routine for maximum visibility.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes blank card templates, sequencing guidance, and tips for troubleshooting resistant transitions.

This workshop supports the Aistear theme of Identity and Belonging and reflects Síolta Standard 6 (Play) by giving children predictable structure within which to explore independently.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Designing Visual Routines and Transition Cards
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

How many steps should a routine have?: This depends heavily on age and attention, but most young children manage best with three to six clear steps. We work through your specific routine during the session so the number of cards suits your child rather than following a generic template.
Do I need to be good at drawing or design?: Not at all — the cards can be built from simple printed images, photographs or basic symbols, and no artistic skill is required. The focus is on clarity and sequencing, not presentation.
What materials are provided or needed?: In-person sessions include card stock, images, laminating and all cutting tools, so you leave with a finished, durable set. For the online session, a materials list is sent in advance covering printable images, card and a home laminator or contact paper if available.
Will this work for a child who resists routines generally?: Visual routines tend to reduce resistance because they make expectations predictable and visible rather than verbal and repeated, though no tool works for every child every time. We spend time on introduction language specifically because how a routine is rolled out matters as much as the cards themselves.
Can I make more than one routine set in the hour?: The hour is focused on building one complete, usable set so you leave with something finished rather than several half-done ones. The templates and skills you take home make it straightforward to create additional routines afterwards.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Curriculum planning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

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Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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