Visual support: ‘first and then’ boards

What are first and then boards?

First and then boards are a type of visual support. They show two activities that take place in sequence, to help your child understand what is going to happen.

Why do we use first and then boards?

First and then boards are really helpful for helping children to understand and follow directions and for making things predictable.

They can help children understand what is going to happen and make it easier to move from one activity to another.  Some children might not want to stop doing an activity they really like – but seeing a picture showing them that another activity is going to happen next, can help them to move on. Knowing what is going to happen next can reduce anxiety.

They can also motivate them to do an activity that they do not like as much, by showing them when they can do what they enjoy.

They also lay the foundation for carrying out activities which require multiple steps later on.

How do I use a first and fhen board?

Decide what your child will do first, and then decide on the preferred item or activity for them to have afterwards. The preferred item or activity needs to be motivating enough that your child wants to follow your instruction.

It can work well to start using a first and then board with a sequence your child already knows, for example ‘first bath…then story’ – this way, your child will find it easy to move from the first activity to the next.

Put the visuals on the board. You could use photographs, symbols, or even draw them on, depending on your child’s understanding, then show the board to your child and give a very brief verbal instruction using the least number of words possible.

For example, you might say “first breakfast, then playdough”

When they’ve completed the first task, you should refer back to the board, for example saying “breakfast finished, time for playdough” then immediately provide the second activity. If you don’t provide it straight away, your child might not trust the first and then board.

Examples of activities you can put on a first and then board

Some examples of activities include:

• first shoes, then bubbles
• first sandwich, then swing
• first brush teeth, then bath
• first get dressed, then cars

Try to think of some activities that you would like your child to do as your ‘first’, and also some motivating activities that you could use for ‘then’.