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.

Use this guide with a printable that matches the specific job you are trying to solve. A good first question is: What positive skill or reset step should the printable make easier to practice? Pick the smallest page that answers that question before adding extra sections, rewards, or tracking boxes.

First Then Board is a useful next step when transitions is the main need. Make a simple first then board printable with two clear steps, optional icons, checkboxes, and a preferred next activity. For this behavior guide, start with uses like transitions, short work sessions, home routines, and keep both sides short enough to understand quickly before you make the page reusable.

Visual Schedule is a useful next step when classroom transitions is the main need. Build a simple visual schedule for home, school, morning routines, bedtime, or classroom transitions. For this behavior guide, start with uses like morning routines, school day schedules, bedtime routines, and keep each step short and concrete before you make the page reusable.

Token Board is a useful next step when classroom behavior is the main need. Make a printable token board with custom goal wording, token count, reward statement, and token shapes. For this behavior guide, start with uses like classroom support, home routines, short work sessions, and use a small number of tokens at first so success is reachable before you make the page reusable.

If more than one printable fits, start with first then board and keep the other options as follow-up supports for later. That keeps the first page focused and gives you a clear way to add another printable only if the routine still needs more structure or a different format.

First-Then Board Examples works best when the printed page uses the same words people already hear during the routine. Rewrite labels that sound too formal, remove rows that do not apply, and keep the first version easy enough to use without a long explanation.

For behavior-support pages, keep the wording calm, private, and specific to one skill or routine. These printables are general support tools, not medical, therapeutic, legal, clinical, or school-policy advice.

It is also fine to leave parts of a template blank during the first version. A useful printable should show the next step, reminder, or choice that matters most; extra boxes can wait until the routine is familiar enough to support more detail without clutter.

After printing, watch how the page is used for a few days. If people ignore it, move it closer to the routine or remove extra fields. If it helps, save the PDF or print a clean copy so the support stays consistent.