First–Then Board
A simple two-part visual that shows what comes first and what comes next — a calm way to get through tasks your child resists.
- Category · Daily Life & Independence
- Visual Support
- Ages · Early childhood · Elementary
- Home · School
A first-then board shows two pictures side by side: the task first, the preferred activity second. It helps your child see that the less-liked thing is time-limited and that something good comes after.
How to make one
- Find two small pictures — photos of your own home work best, or simple drawings.
- Print or draw them at about three inches square.
- Lay them side by side on a small board or sheet of paper, with “First” and “Then” labels above each.
How to use it
- Show it before starting, not in the middle of the task.
- Keep the words short: “First shoes, then bubbles.”
- Point to the board and follow through — the “then” activity always happens when the task is done.
- Switch the pictures as the day’s activities change.
Start with easy pairs to build the routine. Once your child trusts the pattern, use it for harder tasks like teeth-brushing, getting in the car, or starting homework.