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Bus Protocol Storyboard

Leo's step-by-step guide for the afternoon bus routine · Laminate and post at home or on the bus

What this is: A customized 6-frame visual storyboard showing Leo exactly what to expect during the afternoon bus pickup and ride home. Reduces transition anxiety and gives him a clear, predictable sequence to follow.
Frame 1 of 6
🏫
The Classroom Goodbye
It's 2:45 PM. Mrs. Chen says to you: "Leo, in two minutes we're going to the bus. Do you want to carry your backpack or should I help you?"
YOU choose: carry it or let an adult help
Frame 2 of 6
🚶
Walking to the Bus Area
You walk with Mrs. Chen to where the buses are parked. It's noisy and busy. If the noise feels too much, remember: the bus will be quieter once you're inside.
Take a deep breath. Stay with Mrs. Chen or the bus aide
Frame 3 of 6
🚌
Find Your Seat
The bus aide greets you: "Hi Leo, your seat is right here." Your seat is the same every day—the second row on the right side, near the window. You can sit quietly or look out the window.
Sit in your assigned seat. You can have quiet time or listen to music if you have headphones
Frame 4 of 6
🎧
The Ride Home
The bus drives home. It takes about 15 minutes. Other kids might talk or be loud. If you need quiet, you can use your noise-canceling headphones or ask the bus aide for a break card.
It's OK to stay quiet. The aide is there if you need help
Frame 5 of 6
🏠
Your Bus Stop
The bus aide says: "Leo, your stop is next. Gather your backpack." You get ready to stand up and move toward the bus door.
Grab your stuff. Get ready to step off the bus when the aide says it's safe
Frame 6 of 6
👋
Off the Bus & Home
You step off the bus. A parent or caregiver is waiting for you. You made it home safely!
Wave goodbye to the bus aide. Walk with your grown-up

How to Use This Storyboard

1
Print this page (11×17" color is best). Laminate or use a page protector so it stays readable and wipeable.
2
Post it at home in a visible place (fridge, Leo's room, entryway) so he can review it before the bus arrives.
3
Review it together the first week. Sit with Leo and point to each frame: "This is what happens. Then this. Then this." Walk through the language together so he knows what to expect from the adults around him.
4
Use the storyboard as a calm-down tool. If Leo is anxious about the bus, point to the storyboard: "Remember, first you put on your headphones, then..." Knowing the sequence reduces his anxiety.
5
Bus aide should have a copy too. Keep a laminated copy on the bus so the aide can point to it if Leo needs a reset during the ride.
6
Update it if the routine changes. If the bus stop shifts or pickup time changes, regenerate a new storyboard from Leo's updated Blueprint so he has the right sequence.

Key Coaching Points for the Bus Aide

Use Counter-Control language: "In two minutes we're getting on the bus. Do you want to go first or wait for another kid?" Not "Time to get on the bus!"

Naming the feeling works: If Leo seems anxious about the noise, say "I see the bus area feels loud. Let's get inside where it's quieter." Acknowledge his experience; don't dismiss it.

Give him sensory tools: Headphones, a fidget toy, or a quiet corner seat all help Leo regulate during the ride. Offer choices: "Do you want headphones or time to look out the window?"

No forced compliance: If Leo refuses to board, pause. Offer a sensory break or a redo. Never force him on the bus. A refusal now prevents a bigger meltdown during the ride.

Celebrate cooperation: "You got on the bus and stayed calm the whole ride. That's real work." Specific, genuine praise—not just "good job."

This is a sample storyboard for illustrative purposes. All details are fictional. Real storyboards are customized from each student's Blueprint and printed from actual Leo case data.