Buying guide

First Then Boards

A First / Then board is the simplest visual support there is: two boxes, two pictures, and a clear message about what happens now and what comes next. This guide covers how to use one well, with examples, and the printable boards in our kit.

By the Buy Activity Books team · Updated October 27, 2026 · 3 min read

The short answer

A First / Then board has two boxes: the task that comes first, and the activity that follows. Put a less preferred task under First and something the child enjoys under Then, point to each as you go, and keep the Then promise every time. Our kit includes First / Then and Now / Next / Then boards and 48 picture cards.

Key takeaways

Two boxes: First the task, Then the reward or next activity.
Keep the First task short and achievable.
Always deliver the Then, so the board stays trustworthy.
Move on to Now / Next / Then when it is easy.

Our pack for first then board

Includes both boardsAutistic children and early learners

Visual Schedule Kit

Everything to start using visual supports at home or school: a First / Then board, a Now / Next / Then board, morning, after-school and bedtime routine strips, an 8-step daily schedule, an All done box and 48 picture cards in labelled and unlabelled sets, plus word and blank cards.

First / Then and Now / Next / Then boards
Morning, after-school, bedtime and 8-step daily schedule strips
48 picture cards, labelled and unlabelled, plus word and blank cards
Clear line icons with one card per routine step

See inside →

At a glance

	Visual Schedule Kit
Best for	Children who use visual supports
Pages	19
Includes	Boards, routines, 48 picture cards
Sizes	US Letter and A4
Price	$6.99

How to use a First / Then board

Choose a short First task the child can finish.
Choose a Then the child genuinely wants.
Show the board and say it simply: first shoes, then park.
Point to First as you start, and help if needed.
As soon as First is done, move straight to Then.

Examples

First	Then
Brush teeth	Story time
Shoes on	Park
Tidy up	Play
Homework	Screen time
Wait	Snack

Common mistakes

Making the First task too long: start small.
Using Then as a threat: it should be a reliable next step, not something taken away.
Changing the plan without warning: use a Change of plan card.
Moving on too fast: use the same board for a week or two before adding steps.

Now / Next / Then

When two steps are easy, a three-step board shows a little more of the day: what is happening now, what is next, and what comes after. Our kit includes both boards and word cards for First, Then, Now, Next and Later.

What is in the kit

Everything prints on ordinary paper or card, in US Letter and A4.

Boards to start simply
First / Then and Now / Next / Then boards, plus routine strips with a Done box for each step.
48 picture cards
Everyday routines from wake up to bedtime, in labelled and unlabelled sets.
Word and blank cards
First, Then, Now, Next, Later, Break, Change of plan and All done, plus blanks to draw your own.
Clear, consistent pictures
Simple line icons in one style, one picture per card, with dashed lines to cut along.

Questions about first then board

Can I use a First / Then board for an older child?+

Yes. They work at any age; older children may prefer words, photos or a written list instead of picture cards.

How fast do I get it?+

Straight away. The download page opens as soon as payment goes through, and a link is emailed to you as well, so there is no shipping and no wait.

How do I print the pack?+

After checkout you download a PDF in both A4 and US Letter. Print it on any home, office or school printer, single or double sided. Ordinary printer paper works well for pencil.