School and care teams · Reviewed 22 July 2026

First-then boards at school: a shared, simple support

A first-then board works best when the adults around a child understand what the two visuals mean and can deliver the next step consistently.

Quick answer

Agree on recognizable visuals and short wording, keep the board available at the point of use, and share what worked with the family without turning the tool into a compliance chart.

Make it usable in a busy classroom

1Keep a blank reusable board and a small set of common visuals nearby.
2Use specific activities rather than broad labels such as “work.”
3Check that the promised “then” is available in the school context.
4Mark completion clearly and avoid adding extra demands after the first step.

Classroom examples

First: write your name · Then: choose a book

First: tidy the blocks · Then: playground

First: one group activity · Then: quiet corner

Coordinate without oversharing

Teams can share the visual wording and whether it was understood without recording unnecessary personal detail. Individual education or therapy decisions should remain with the child’s family and qualified team.

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Sources and review note

This page provides general educational information, not individualized medical, therapy, or education advice. A qualified professional who knows the person can help adapt a support to their needs.