How to make action cards the easy way
Finding pictures, printing and laminating turns into writing one line.
What happens when you make them by hand
Even when you know action cards are useful, making them is a chore. Choosing pictures, fitting the size, printing and cutting can take an hour for one routine. When the routine changes, you start over.
Cards need to be easy to make so you can keep using them.
The steps in ELUM
- Write one line. Write it the way you'd normally say it, like "wash face and get dressed in the morning"
- The cards are made. ELUM breaks it into easy steps and adds a picture and a short sentence to each
- The caregiver checks them. Edit the sentences, change the order, and add or remove cards
- Choose a reward. Write down what your child gets when everything is done
- Save, and that's it. The cards appear one at a time on your child's screen and are read aloud
Tips for making good cards
- One action only. If a card has "and" in it, split it into two
- Words you can see. "Rub the backs of your hands" instead of "wash well"
- Say what to do. "Walk" instead of "don't run"
- Keep the same picture. The same picture for the same action is easier to recognize
- Start with 3 to 5 cards. Add more little by little when it goes well
You can use paper cards too
In places where a device is hard to use, paper is handy. You can export the cards you make in ELUM for printing and cut them out.
Action card example: getting ready to go out
- 1Use the toiletGo before we leave
- 2Put on your jacketPull up the zipper
- 3Put on your shoesPut them on at the front door
- 4Wait by the doorWe go out together
All done: go to the playground
Frequently asked questions
Can I use AI-made cards as they are?
Please read them first and edit them. ELUM shows only the cards a caregiver has checked and saved.
Can I make them for free?
Yes. You can make cards with Emoji pictures and Picture symbols for free.
This article is a guide for everyday routines. ELUM does not replace diagnosis or treatment.
Read next
What are action cards? How to make a visual scheduleAction cards show one task per card with a picture. Learn why a visual schedule is easier to follow, plus steps and examples for making one at home.
Task analysis: breaking routines into small stepsWhen "brush your teeth" is too much, break it down. Use task analysis to turn brushing, dressing and handwashing into action card steps, with examples.