My youngest cousin just got into middle school. He has different thinking abilities; changes and routine-breaking stuff are hard to manage. This year was a really tough transition for him and his parents. One day, his teacher introduced the class to an excellent strategy, called a “vision board.” Ever since using one, he’s less anxious when a change comes. It helps him envision the things he’s looking forward to. I’ve found several creative vision board ideas for students that can significantly impact a student’s ability to set goals, manage anxiety, and cultivate self-esteem. That’s the inspiration for the blog post you’re reading now. I’m excited to share these ideas with you. Let’s look at a few vision board ideas that are particularly useful for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids.
Table of Contents
The Power of Vision Boards
Kids spend so much time focusing on what they need to do. Vision boards help them visualize what they want to do. Here are some significant reasons that vision boards can be so great for kids:
- Goal Setting: Students can visualize their goals and dreams, making them feel more achievable.
- Positive Thinking: It keeps them optimistic and motivated.
- Motivation: They serve as a daily inspiration and reminder of what they’re working towards.
- Reduced Anxiety: It’s a great way to cope with anxiety or change by focusing on what’s ahead.
The great thing about vision boards is that they can be as simple or extravagant as you want them to be. There’s no right or wrong way to create one. Let’s explore a few more creative vision board ideas.
Vision Board Idea #1: Sensory-Friendly Vision Boards
Students with sensory sensitivities can find creating a traditional vision board overwhelming. Textures, colors, and busy visual layouts could be more overstimulating. Sensory-friendly vision boards incorporate softer materials and calming visuals. Here’s how to create one:
- Materials: Think of soft fabrics like felt, cardstock, and textured paper.
- Themes: Try nature-inspired themes, focusing on colors, textures, and images from the natural world.
- Visuals: Use fewer visuals and provide ample spacing between them.
Read more: 7 Fun Activities for Kids With ADHD
Vision Board Idea #2: Goal-Specific Vision Boards
Kids often have specific areas where they want to improve or succeed. Goal-specific vision boards help kids make targeted and relevant goals. Here are some examples:
- Academic Goals Boards: This helps students visualize their desired grades, awards, or subjects they want to master.
- Sports Goals Boards: It can feature images of athletes, sporting events, or specific achievements.
- Social Goals Board: It might include friends, activities, or skills they want to develop.
Vision Board Idea #3: Digital Vision Boards
Many kids are digitally savvy and prefer a tech-based version of the traditional vision board. Here are some digital tools that make creation easy:
- Pinterest: It offers a vast library of images and inspiration.
- Canva: Canva has user-friendly design options with templates.
- Google Slides or PowerPoint: These are great for kids who like simple layouts.
Read more: Token Board Template for Kids | Free Printable
Vision Board Idea #4: Pocket Vision Boards
Sometimes, a smaller version of a vision board is more manageable. Pocket vision boards are smaller and portable, and they’re perfect for kids who may get overwhelmed quickly by large formats. For this idea:
- Index cards: Use a single index card and create a mini vision board.
- A mini-journal: Kids track progress and add small sketches to represent their goals.
Vision Board Idea #5: Interest-Based Vision Boards.
These boards cater to a student’s passions and interests. This is a fantastic way to motivate kids and celebrate what makes them unique. You might try boards focused on:
- Hobbies: Dancing, art, music, sports.
- Favorite Things: Animals, places, colors, etc.
- Dreams: Future careers or travel destinations.
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Vision boards are a simple, creative, and highly adaptable tool to help kids unlock their full potential. If you like these ideas, remember this is just a starting point! Please work with your child to create an empowering vision board that reflects their unique personality and goals.
Sources
- Understood: Vision Boards for Kids with ADHD and Learning Differences – Provides tips and strategies for creating vision boards tailored to the needs of students with learning disabilities.
- PositivePsychology.com: 15 Vision Board Examples & Ideas for Inspiration – Offers a variety of creative vision board examples, including ideas for adults and kids.
- Verywell Family: How to Make a Vision Board for Kids – This resource provides step-by-step instructions for creating vision boards with kids, including helpful tips and examples.
FAQs About Vision Board Ideas for Students
How can a vision board benefit a student's learning? A vision board can enhance a student's learning by helping them to visualize and articulate their academic goals, boosting motivation, creativity, and promoting a positive mindset.
What are some effective elements to include in a student's vision board? Effective elements for a student's vision board include photos or images of their goals, inspiring quotes, symbols representing skills they want to learn, and visual reminders of their achievements to date.
How often should a student update their vision board? A student should ideally update their vision board once or twice a year, coinciding with the start of a new academic term or after achieving a significant goal.
Can vision boards be digital or are they always physical? Vision boards can certainly be digital. Online platforms, apps, or even simple programs like PowerPoint can be used to create a digital vision board, which provides flexibility and convenience.
How can parents assist in creating a vision board? Parents can assist by facilitating a discussion about their child's goals, providing the necessary materials, and offering ongoing support and encouragement as the child works towards the goals depicted on the vision board.
This post was originally published on 04/14/2023. It was updated on 03/08/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
