How to Make a First/Then Board
A First/Then board can be used to communicate a sequence of events
or to reinforce completion of a nonpreferred activity. A First/Then board
can be used in a variety of ways:
• Assist with transition from one activity to another.
• Assist in completing non-preferred tasks by reinforcing with a
preferred activity.
• Breaking a large schedule or sequence of events into smaller
steps.
• First/Then boards can be broken down into two-step activities.
For example, “FIRST clean up, THEN go outside.”
• First/Then boards can be broken down into a sequence of steps
followed by a reinforcer or the next transition. For example,
“FIRST color-cut-glue, THEN computer.”
Making the First/Then Board
1. Gather the materials: Scissors, glue stick, poster board or file
folder, clear contact paper, Velcro, pictures (photographs, pictures
from magazines, computer programs, cereal boxes, household
supplies, restaurant menus or placemats, wrappers, etc.). TIP:
Every picture should have a label so your child can associate the
written text with the picture.
2. Collect pictures to represent activities (refer to section on Picture
Tips, (H3b.2, 2/7), to determine your child’s visual stage).
3. Cut the pictures out and paste on poster board for durability or
print on cardstock.
4. Laminate or cover in contact paper.
5. Use a file folder or cut the poster board large enough to hold
several of the pictures. Divide the sections by making a vertical line
to separate the first/then sides. Laminate or cover in contact paper.
6. Velcro small pieces of Velcro on the back of the pictures. TIP: Make
sure you use the same side of Velcro on all pictures. Next, place a
strip of opposite Velcro on both sides of the First/Then board.
7. As you use the “First/Then” board with your child, try to place a
reinforcing activity or item on the “then” side of the board. This will
increase the likelihood that the child will complete the activities on
the “first” side of the board. (See samples.) As each activity is
completed, turn the picture over to indicate that the activity is
“finished.”
8. Once your child successfully follows the First/Then board activities,
change the pictures according to the activity. When using a
First/Then schedule, remember to model the behavior. It shouldn’t
take long before your child understands the First/Then concept! If
your child is not following the First/Then board, consider the visual
stage you have selected by referring to the “Picture Tips” section. It
is also possible that the activity on the “then” side is not reinforcing
for your child.
9. Celebrate your success!
Handout 3b.2: Tips and Ideas for Making Visuals
Module 3b
The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Vanderbilt University vanderbilt.edu/csefel
H 3b.2
P. 5/7
Rev. 2/10
Microsoft Clipart
©
pictures on a
simple 2 step transition
“FIrst/Then” board.
Activities pictured on the left side
represent 2 activities within circle
time, then the bold line
represents the transition to the
next place.
Activities pictured on the left side
represent a mini schedule of
activities prior to the transition to
the activity pictured on the right.
Schedule pictured on the left side
represent activities within circle
time, then the bold line
represents the transition to the
next place.