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How to make and use a First-then board
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A First-then board is a common visual support that provides clear expectations through a visual means. The board simply outlines what is done “First” and “Then.” For those two tasks or activities it can serve as a reminder or behavioral contract. It simplifies the demand by only focusing attention of the difficult work or routine activity and the rewarding activity afterwards.
First-then boards have been used successfully in a variety of situations. For children who may not need a full visual schedule for their school day, this visual support would be a helpful strategy to have on hand. I have seen it most frequently used with children who are able to complete much of their day independently yet may struggle with one or two areas of the day. In this situation, the board is used to remind them that the task (ex: Math) needs to be completed, but afterwards is a more preferred activity (Ex: Centers).
Another use for a First-then board may be with a young child who is not yet familiar with using a full visual schedule. The minimal amount of visuals and distractions is useful for easing a child into using visual supports. In this case, the board is changed multiple times throughout the day and shown to the child frequently. The First-then board also works with children who have recently started ABA home programs and are not accustomed to having frequent demands placed on them. Using the First-Then board presents concise expectations that are clearly shown to the child.
On Mrs. Riley, making a First-then board is simple.
- Choose a template size for the visual pictures.
- Click on the squares to make images of both preferred activities and activities that are difficult or unpreferred.
- Then make the actual board. The large 4” squares works well for this step.
- Once you have the board printed out, you can write textual cues on the board as well. For example” “First” and “Then” or “1” and 2.” The text that signifies the first activity should go on the left side, the next activity on the right.
- Next Draw a line down the middle to designate two spaces. Place a Velcro square on both sides.
- Now the board is ready to have visuals placed on it and changed for each task or activity. In general, the tasks are ordered from left to right or top to bottom; similar to reading.
Once the board is made, try it out with the child. The board can be considered a successful strategy for the child if he or she begins to complete work faster, with fewer challenging behaviors, or is able to respond to a greater number of demands in the presence of the visual reminder.
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About Mrs. Riley
Mrs. Riley was created so professionals, teachers, and parents could collaboratively make educational materials, starting with picture cards. If you've ever made a picture card with a custom image yourself, you know that it can be tedious. We understand and after going through it ourselves for so long, we decided to wrap the entire process into a single online application.
