Every Learner by UpOnly Learning
How to use a First-Then board
A First-Then board shows two pictures: what happens first, and what comes next. Here is how to teach it so the child learns that the board can be trusted.
What a First-Then board is
Vanderbilt's TRIAD program describes a First-Then board as a visual support that shows a two-step work-reward sequence[1]. It puts into a picture an old idea from psychology: Premack (1959) proposed that a more frequent, preferred activity can reinforce a less frequent one[2].
Step by step
- Pick the “Then” first. It should always be something the child enjoys[1]. You can let the child choose it from a few pictures[3].
- Put one short task in “First”. Keep it small at the start.
- Show the board and say very little: “First shoes, then park.” TRIAD's tip sheet advises using the least amount of words possible[3].
- Follow through every time. The child must get the “Then” activity after finishing the “First” task[3].
- Change the “Then” picture when it stops working. Favourites may need changing often[1].
- When two steps go well, add the schedule cards one at a time.
Why some schedules “don't work”
A visual schedule usually has to be taught. One university technical-assistance centre notes that visual schedules by themselves are not as effective as they could be[4]. Teach the board on easy tasks first, follow through every time, and keep the pictures in the same place.
Pictures, photos or objects?
Use what the child understands. Autism practice guidance suggests choosing the form of picture based on the individual learner[5]. Some children start with real photos, others with simple icons.
Adding a token strip
A token strip lets a child earn small tokens toward a chosen reward, which is a form of positive reinforcement[6]. A review of K–5 studies found token economies widely used, with mixed results depending on the classroom type[7]. Keep it simple: a few tokens, one reward the child picked.
A free board to print
Our free First-Then board and visual schedule cards have the words in English, Spanish and Portuguese on every card, a token strip and a one-page adult guide.
First-Then Board & Visual Schedule Cards
A First-Then board with a token strip, visual schedule cards with original icons and photo-slot cards, a “finished” pocket, a change card and a one-page adult guide.
Download free (PDF)Black and white (PDF)
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Questions
There is no set time. Teach it on easy tasks, follow through every time[3], and talk with your child's teacher or a behaviour professional if problems continue.
Make the task smaller and check that the “Then” is still something the child enjoys[1].
Yes. Visual supports are used at home and in classrooms, from early childhood to young adults[5]. Share the same pictures with the teacher so the board means the same thing in both places.
Keep reading
Written by the UpOnly Learning team. Sources checked 26 Oct 2026; page updated 27 Oct 2026.
References
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD / Tennessee Dept. of Education. Quick Tips for Teaching First-Then Board (2023). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Psychological Review (via Illinois State Univ. course file). Premack, D. (1959). Toward empirical behavior laws: I. Positive reinforcement. Psychological Review, 66(4), 219-233. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD. First Then Tip Sheet. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Old Dominion University Training & Technical Assistance Center (TTAC). Check your schedule: why your visual schedule may not be working in your classroom. Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (AFIRM). Visual Supports Brief Packet (Sam & AFIRM Team, 2024, Updated). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (AFIRM). Reinforcement Brief Packet (Sam & AFIRM Team, 2024, Updated). Checked 26 Oct 2026.
- Behavior Modification (SAGE), via Penn State Pure. Kim, Fienup, Oh & Wang (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of token economy practices in K-5 educational settings, 2000 to 2019. Behavior Modification 46(6), 1460-1487. Checked 26 Oct 2026.