First-Then Boards Sheet
Visual Support
My First & Then Board
NAME:
Laminate for durability • Use velcro dots
1. FIRST
DO THIS TASK
VELCRO
Place Card Here
2. THEN
GET THIS REWARD
VELCRO
Place Card Here
Praise immediate compliance when transitioning from FIRST to THEN.
PAGE 1/2
Advanced Routine
My First, Next & Then Board
NAME:
For transitioning students ready for 3 steps
1. FIRST
Complete the first designated activity.
VELCRO
Place Card
2. NEXT
Transition smoothly to the second transition activity.
VELCRO
Place Card
3. THEN
Enjoy the earned highly reinforcing activity or object!
VELCRO
Place Card
Use this board once the student successfully masters the two-step First-Then sequence.
PAGE 2/2
Schedule Cards Sheet
Part 2: Movable Cards Cut along dotted lines
Daily Task Visual Cards
Laminate, cut, and attach rough velcro loop circles to the back of each card.
Reading
Math
Writing
Circle Time
Art
Science
Wash Hands
Restroom
Clean Up
Laptop
Shoes On
Line Up
Category: Academic & Life Skills (Tasks) PAGE 1/2
Part 2: Movable Cards Cut along dotted lines
Reward & Break Visual Cards
Use these as highly motivating "THEN" items. Customize according to specific IEP incentives.
iPad
Snack
Playground
Toy Blocks
Sensory Bin
Drawing
Puzzle
Toy Cars
Quiet Time
Water
Gamepad
Free Play
Category: Reinforcers & Breaks (Rewards) PAGE 2/2
Visual Schedule Guide
Educator Resource
Visual Schedule Implementation Guide
Evidence-based practices for introducing, prompting, and fading First-Then visual schedules.
1. Preparation Blueprint
- Print & Laminate: Print the boards and schedule cards on thick cardstock, then laminate both sheets for maximum long-term durability.
- Velcro Attachment Rule: Place soft (loop) velcro circles on the board placeholders and scratchy (hook) velcro circles on the backs of all individual visual cards. This preserves comfort if the student holds raw cards.
- Organize Cards: Keep unused cards in a small pouch, or attach hook-and-loop strips to the back of the laminate board to store active choices.
A Pair with High Motivation
Start when the child is calm. Choose a "FIRST" task that is simple and rapid (e.g., placing one block) and pair it with an incredibly high-value "THEN" reward (e.g., iPad).
B Immediate Reinforcement
The exact millisecond the "FIRST" task is finished, point directly to the "THEN" card, hand them the reward card, and deliver the actual item immediately.
2. Prompting & Fading Hierarchy (Most-to-Least)
Level 1
Hand-under-Hand / Physical Guide
Place your hand under the child's hand to gently guide them to pick up the card, place it on the board, complete the task, and then claim the reward card.
Level 2
Gestural / Pointing Prompt
Without physical touch, point systematically to the "FIRST" card to direct attention, then point to the actual work materials. Repeat for "THEN" when complete.
Level 3
Visual Pointer • Independent
Simply tap the "FIRST" card. The student should independently transition to the work area, return when completed, pull the reward card, and trade it with you.
3. Behavioral Best Practices
Consistency is Key
Do not use the board only for difficult tasks, or the student will associate it strictly with work aversion.
No Free Reinforcers
Keep "THEN" rewards out of casual reach. They must specifically be earned through the visual completion process.
Stay Concrete
Use the First-Next-Then progression only once the 2-step routine has 90%+ prompt-free compliance.
Pro-Tip: Use simple, direct language like "First write, then iPad" rather than long explanations.
Special Ed Toolkit