First-Then Board Examples

Try first pajamas, then story; first clean up blocks, then outside; first homework folder, then snack; or first shoes, then car.

The first step should be short and the then activity should be real.

Classroom boards might say first worksheet, then reading center; first line up, then recess; or first clean table, then choice time.

Use first-then boards before transitions begin, not after frustration has already built.

If the routine has more than two or three steps, use a visual schedule or routine chart instead.

A first-then board is best for one immediate expectation and one next activity.

Laminate a first-then board if you will swap words or icons often.

For a one-time transition, printing a simple page can be faster than building a reusable system.

The first side should name one finishable task. 'Do homework' may be too large, while 'complete the first five math problems' shows a clear stopping point. The then side should name an activity that is actually available. Do not print playground time if weather or staffing often makes it impossible.

Show the board before the transition and point to it once the task begins. Avoid bargaining over a new then choice after every complaint. If the first task is too hard, shorten it or add adult support. The board should clarify the agreement, not force a child through work they cannot complete.

The First Work Then Choice Board starter shows two cards: First worksheet with a pencil picture, then Then reading center with a book picture. In this fictional classroom example, the adult first identifies which worksheet section needs to be finished and checks that the reading center will be available afterward.

The short card label is intentional. If the learner needs the stopping point printed, replace First worksheet with First problems 1–3. Leave checkboxes and times off this two-step board so the page does not acquire extra rules. Show the card before starting and keep adult help available during the work.

The pajamas-then-story starter uses the same two-card layout for bedtime. The cleanup-then-outside starter needs an available outside activity; change its second card when weather or the day’s plan makes that inaccurate. The board should describe the next transition truthfully.