Free Time Choice Board – Self-Directed Activities

Unstructured free time can often overwhelm students who struggle flexibly shifting activities or communicating needs. This customizable choice board resource empowers children (especially those with special needs) to independently yet judiciously self-direct preferred stimulating or calming leisure activities.

The foundation consists of a blank choice board grid displaying 8 picture box spaces per page. The accompanying word/image deck contains 12 illustrated free time option cards to slip into designated boxes. Fun yet constructive categories include: play dough, outside play, read a book, board games, home corner, draw or color, lego, train set, marble run, paint, toy animals or dressing up.

Teachers and students collaboratively select which personalized options suit that child’s sensory needs and interests to feature, rotating items over time. To use teachers can laminate and put velcro on the back of the cards so they can be easily moveable and reusable. This scaffolds executive functioning skills for children who struggle voicing decisions or pivoting tasks.

Having available activities pictured gives students a concrete reference during open-ended periods. It builds students’ self-awareness around constructive leisure pursuits that actually recharge them as individuals. Customizable, portable and visual, these choice cards nurture time/emotion regulation skills with student autonomy!

This resource includes 2 PDF printable pages

The wonderful and eye catching clipart images are courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art