How to Use a First-Then Board: 7 Simple Steps

The short answer

Put a picture of the task in First and something the person wants in Then. Point and say it in a few words: “First wash hands, then snack.” Help with the first part, say “done”, and give the Then right away. Start with a short first task, and always keep the promise.

First-then board with a picture card of shoes in the First box and a child playing outside in the Then box. — “First shoes on, then outside.” Get this board and 12 picture cards, free.

What a first-then board does

A first-then board has two boxes. The first box shows what happens now. The second box shows what comes next. The pictures stay in view after the words are gone, so the person can look back at them.

It is handy for a task the person doesn’t love, like hand washing or getting dressed, and for moving from one activity to the next.

What you need

A board with two boxes. Print our free first-then board, or draw two boxes on paper or a whiteboard.
Picture cards. Drawings, printed pictures and photos all work. Some people understand a photo of the real thing more easily.
Hook-and-loop dots, if you want the cards to stay put.

7 steps to use a first-then board

Choose a short First. Start with something that takes a minute or two, like washing hands. Save long tasks for later.
Choose a Then the person really wants. Watch what they reach for or ask for. It has to be worth waiting for, today.
Show the board before you start. Hold it where the person can see it. Point to each picture as you say it: “First shoes on, then outside.”
Use few words, the same each time. “First…, then…” is enough. Long talk is hard to follow, especially when someone is upset.
Help with the First. If the person gets stuck, point to the First picture again. Help with the hard part if needed.
Say “done” and show it. “Shoes on, done!” Take the card off, or turn it over.
Give the Then right away. Point and say “Now outside!” Don’t add another task first. Keeping this promise is what makes the board trusted.

If it isn’t working

What happens	Try this
The First is refused	Make it smaller: “first one sock”, not “first get dressed”.
The Then isn’t exciting	Offer two Then cards and let the person choose.
Lots of talking, little looking	Say less. Point more. Wait.
The board means “work” to them	Use it for fun pairs too: “first swing, then slide”.

When it’s going well

Add a third box: first, then, next. Later, a picture schedule can show a whole morning or a whole school day. You can also let the person pick the Then, or set up the board themselves.

Work with the person’s team

A speech therapist, occupational therapist or teacher who knows the person can help choose the pictures and the words. Use the same board and the same words at home and at school, so it means the same thing everywhere.

These boards and guides are general information, not therapy or medical advice, and they don’t replace a speech therapist. A speech therapist who knows the person can help choose the right words, pictures and layout. The boards are free to print and share; please don’t sell them (terms of use). Questions about the boards? Email support@lmnoplabs.fun.