First-Then Board

Focused Topics Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors Lesson 4 Apply First-Then Board Guide	WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG ACTIVITY ID: 21056 Name Certifier Date
Creating the First-Then Board While multi-step visual schedules work well in some instances, some children may need a simpler type of visual support to learn expected behaviors and routines. First-Then boards are an effective way to help children who need support following single and two-step directions and routines. Review the steps below to guide your creation of a First-Then board. 1. Make a base for your First-Then board. This can be two differently colored pieces of construction paper laminated together, side-by-side. 2. Gather a set of pictures that represent the various routines, expectations, and activities where the child needs support. For example, if the child you are making the First-Then board for needs help remembering that they must wash their hands after using the toilet, make sure you have pictures that represent these two tasks. 3. Print, laminate, and cut out pictures. 4. Use Velcro strips or dots so the pictures can stick to the base. Using the First-Then Board Now you are ready to use the First-Then board. You can use these a few different ways with children. For some children, you may place one picture on each side of the board as you discuss the two steps or activities, “First, we have circle time,” [as teacher point to the circle time carpet], “Then we play outside,” [as teacher points to the picture of the playground]. For other children, you might consider placing the “First” picture only on the board, and once they have completed that step you can add the “Then” picture. Experiment with what works best for the child you created the First-Then board for and remember to always pair rich language input and social-emotional support with the use of visual tools. One step before "THEN" task: Two steps before "THEN" task:

Guide

WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG

ACTIVITY ID: 21056

Name

Certifier

Date

Creating the First-Then Board

While multi-step visual schedules work well in some instances, some children may need a simpler type of visual support to learn expected behaviors and routines. First-Then boards are an effective way to help children who need support following single and two-step directions and routines. Review the steps below to guide your creation of a First-Then board.

1. Make a base for your First-Then board.

This can be two differently colored pieces of construction paper laminated together, side-by-side.

2. Gather a set of pictures that represent the various routines, expectations, and activities where the child needs support.

For example, if the child you are making the First-Then board for needs help remembering that they must wash their hands after using the toilet, make sure you have pictures that represent these two tasks.

3. Print, laminate, and cut out pictures.

4. Use Velcro strips or dots so the pictures can stick to the base.

Using the First-Then Board

Now you are ready to use the First-Then board. You can use these a few different ways with children. For some children, you may place one picture on each side of the board as you discuss the two steps or activities, “First, we have circle time,” [as teacher point to the circle time carpet], “Then we play outside,” [as teacher points to the picture of the playground]. For other children, you might consider placing the “First” picture only on the board, and once they have completed that step you can add the “Then” picture. Experiment with what works best for the child you created the First-Then board for and remember to always pair rich language input and social-emotional support with the use of visual tools.

One step before "THEN" task:

Two steps before "THEN" task: