First Then Board: What It Is & How to Use It (With Examples)

“First homework, THEN iPad.”

If you’ve ever used a phrase like this with your child, you’ve already discovered the power behind First/Then boards. This simple visual tool takes that everyday parenting strategy and makes it concrete, visible, and far more effective—especially for children with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences.

First/Then boards are one of the most practical tools in the visual supports toolkit. They’re quick to create, easy to use, and backed by decades of behavioral research. Whether you’re a parent trying to get through homework time or a therapist working on compliance, this guide will show you exactly how to use First/Then boards effectively.

What Is a First/Then Board?

A First/Then board is a simple two-part visual display:

• FIRST: The task or activity that needs to happen (often non-preferred)
• THEN: The reward, preferred activity, or what comes next

That’s it. Two pictures. One powerful concept.

The visual format transforms an abstract concept (“do this and you’ll get that”) into something concrete that children can see and reference. For many children—especially those who struggle with verbal instructions or delayed gratification—this visual clarity makes all the difference.

The Science Behind First/Then Boards

First/Then boards aren’t just a parenting hack. They’re based on a well-established principle from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) called the Premack Principle, sometimes called “Grandma’s Rule.”

The Premack Principle states that a more preferred activity can be used to reinforce a less preferred activity. In simpler terms: you can use something someone wants to motivate them to do something they don’t want to do.

This principle was first described by psychologist David Premack in the 1960s and has been validated through decades of research with both neurotypical populations and individuals with developmental differences.

Why It Works

1. Concrete visualization: Abstract “if-then” statements become visible and tangible
2. Reduced working memory load: The child doesn’t need to remember what was promised
3. Clear expectations: No ambiguity about what needs to happen or what comes after
4. Immediate reference: The child can look at the board throughout the task
5. Built-in motivation: The reward is always visible, keeping motivation high
6. Predictability: Children know exactly what to expect, reducing anxiety

Who Benefits from First/Then Boards?

Autism Spectrum Disorder

First/Then boards are particularly effective for autistic children because:

• Visual information often processes more easily than verbal instructions
• The concrete representation reduces anxiety about what’s coming
• The predictable structure provides comfort
• Abstract concepts like “later” or “after” become concrete

ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with:

• Delayed gratification
• Task initiation on non-preferred activities
• Remembering promises or instructions
• Staying motivated through boring tasks

First/Then boards address all of these by making the reward visible and the expectation clear.

Developmental Delays

For children with developmental delays, First/Then boards:

• Simplify complex sequences into two manageable steps
• Provide visual support for language processing
• Build understanding of cause and effect
• Support emerging communication skills

Anxiety

When children feel anxious about demands or uncertainty, First/Then boards:

• Show exactly what’s expected (no surprises)
• Guarantee a positive outcome
• Provide something to focus on besides the anxiety
• Create a sense of control

Typically Developing Children

Even neurotypical children benefit from First/Then boards, especially during:

• Potty training (“First potty, then sticker”)
• Homework time
• Getting ready for school
• Any situation requiring motivation

20+ First/Then Board Examples

Morning Routine Examples

First	Then
Get dressed	Watch cartoons
Brush teeth	Eat breakfast
Put on shoes	Go outside
Eat breakfast	Play with toys
Make bed	Screen time

School & Homework Examples

First	Then
Math worksheet	iPad time
Reading practice	Video games
Finish homework	Play outside
Clean up desk	Snack
Writing practice	Draw pictures

Hygiene & Self-Care Examples

First	Then
Take bath	Story time
Wash hands	Lunch
Brush teeth	Bedtime story
Use toilet	Preferred activity
Get haircut	Ice cream

Therapy & Medical Examples

First	Then
Doctor visit	Playground
Sit in waiting room	Play with toys
Take medicine	Favorite snack
Wear mask	Sticker
Blood draw	Special treat

Daily Life Examples

First	Then
Clean up toys	Go to park
Eat vegetables	Dessert
Wait quietly	Your turn
Shopping trip	Pick a treat
Transition to car	Listen to favorite music

Social Situations

First	Then
Say hello	Play with friend
Share toy	Get toy back
Wait for turn	Your turn
Ask nicely	Get what you asked for

How to Create a First/Then Board

Step 1: Identify the Non-Preferred Task

What task is your child avoiding, resisting, or struggling with? This goes in the “First” position. Common examples:

• Homework
• Getting dressed
• Brushing teeth
• Eating certain foods
• Waiting
• Transitions

Step 2: Choose an Effective Motivator

The “Then” item needs to be genuinely motivating. Ask yourself:

• What does my child naturally gravitate toward?
• What would they choose if given free time?
• What do they frequently request?

The reward doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes small, immediate rewards work better than large, delayed ones.

Effective motivators:

• Favorite toy or game
• Screen time (specific show or app)
• Special snack
• Preferred activity
• Time with preferred person
• Going somewhere fun

Step 3: Choose Your Format

Physical board:

• Velcro board with picture cards
• Laminated paper with dry-erase markers
• Whiteboard with magnets
• Simple paper printout

Digital app:

• Apps like MyVisualRoutine let you create First/Then boards quickly with preloaded activities
• Easy to change on the fly
• Always with you on your phone or tablet
• Can include custom photos and voice recordings

Step 4: Create Clear Visuals

Whatever format you choose, make sure:

• Images are clear and recognizable
• The child understands what each picture represents
• “First” and “Then” are clearly labeled
• Both images are visible at the same time

Step 5: Introduce the Board

Don’t just show the board and expect understanding. Teach it:

1. Show the board: “Look, this shows what we’re doing”
2. Point to First: “First, we brush teeth” (show the picture)
3. Point to Then: “Then, we watch TV” (show the picture)
4. Help complete the First task
5. Immediately provide the Then reward
6. Celebrate: “You did it! First teeth, then TV—great job!”

Consistency in the early days is crucial. The child needs to learn that the board is reliable: complete First, get Then. Every time.

Tips for Success

1. Make It Immediate

When possible, deliver the “Then” reward immediately after the “First” task is completed. Delayed rewards reduce the effectiveness, especially for younger children or those with ADHD.

2. Keep “First” Tasks Achievable

If the First task feels impossible, motivation collapses. Start with small, achievable demands:

• Instead of “First all homework, then play” try “First 5 math problems, then 2 minute break”
• Build up task demands gradually as success increases

3. Be Specific

Vague items don’t work well on First/Then boards.

Too vague: “First be good, then treat” Better: “First sit quietly for 2 minutes, then snack”

Too vague: “First clean room, then iPad” Better: “First put blocks in bin, then iPad”

4. Honor the Deal

This is critical. If you put something in the “Then” position, you must follow through. Breaking the promise destroys trust in the system.

If you’re not sure you can provide something, don’t put it on the board.

5. Pair with Timer (When Appropriate)

For tasks that involve waiting or duration, pair the First/Then board with a visual timer:

• “First wait until timer (3 minutes), then your turn”
• “First homework until timer (15 minutes), then break”

6. Make the Reward Visible

Some children benefit from actually seeing the reward item. Place the iPad nearby (but out of reach), put the snack container on the table, or show the playground through the window.

7. Use Throughout the Day

First/Then boards aren’t just for crisis moments. Using them regularly—even for easy tasks—builds fluency and positive associations:

• “First put on shoes, then go outside” (even if they like going outside)
• “First wash hands, then eat lunch” (natural sequence)

8. Involve Your Child

When possible, let your child choose the “Then” reward. This increases buy-in and teaches self-advocacy:

• “We need to do homework first. What would you like to work for? iPad or going to the park?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Unrealistic “First” Tasks

Asking a child who struggles with 5 minutes of homework to complete 30 minutes before earning their reward is setting everyone up for failure.

Solution: Start small. “First 5 problems, then break.” Build up gradually.

Mistake 2: Weak Motivators

If the “Then” item isn’t actually motivating, the board won’t work.

Solution: Observe what your child naturally chooses. Ask them what they want to work for. Preferred items change over time—update accordingly.

Mistake 3: Delayed or Broken Promises

Saying “later” or forgetting to provide the reward teaches children that the board isn’t reliable.

Solution: Deliver immediately. If you can’t provide something right now, don’t put it on the board.

Mistake 4: Using as Punishment

Removing the “Then” reward as punishment (“You were rude, so no iPad after homework”) breaks trust in the system.

Solution: Keep First/Then boards positive. Handle behavior issues separately.

Mistake 5: Too Many Steps

First/Then boards show exactly two things. If you need more steps, you’re looking for a visual schedule or routine, not a First/Then board.

Solution: Keep it simple. First. Then. That’s all.

Mistake 6: Inconsistent Use

Using the board sometimes but not others creates confusion.

Solution: Use consistently, especially when first introducing the concept. Once the child understands how it works, you can be more flexible.

First/Then Board vs. Visual Schedule

These tools serve different purposes:

First/Then Board	Visual Schedule
Two steps only	Multiple steps
Focuses on motivation	Focuses on sequence
”Do this to get that"	"Here’s what’s happening”
Best for non-preferred tasks	Best for routines
Short-term	Can cover hours or a full day

Many families use both:

• Visual schedule for the morning routine
• First/Then board when homework resistance appears
• Day plan for the overall structure

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I start using First/Then boards?

First/Then boards can be introduced as early as 18-24 months, though effectiveness increases as children develop understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. There’s no upper age limit—many teens and adults benefit from this strategy.

How long until I see results?

Many children show improved compliance almost immediately when First/Then boards are used correctly. However, some children need a few days of consistent use before they fully trust that the system works.

What if my child grabs for the “Then” item before completing “First”?

This is common! Keep the reward visible but out of reach. Calmly redirect to the First task: “First homework, then iPad. Let’s do homework.” If needed, move the reward out of sight.

Can I use multiple First/Then boards in a day?

Absolutely. You can use this strategy throughout the day for different situations. Many families use it 5-10 times daily during high-resistance moments.

What if the same reward stops working?

Motivation changes. If a reward loses its power:

• Rotate through different preferred items
• Let the child choose from options
• Try new, novel rewards
• Ensure the child isn’t already satiated on that item

Should the “Then” always be screen time?

No—though screens are highly motivating for many children. Vary the rewards:

• Physical activities (playground, trampoline)
• Social activities (game with parent, friend time)
• Sensory activities (playdough, swinging)
• Food treats (used sparingly)
• Tangible items (stickers, small toys)

Can First/Then boards backfire?

If used incorrectly (unrealistic demands, broken promises, used as punishment), children can learn to distrust the system. Follow the guidelines above for best results.

Getting Started with First/Then Boards

Ready to try First/Then boards with your child? Here are your options:

DIY Approach

1. Find or draw two pictures
2. Label “First” and “Then”
3. Attach with velcro for reusability
4. Start using today

Use an App

MyVisualRoutine makes creating First/Then boards quick and easy:

• 50+ preloaded activities ready to use—no searching for images
• Create boards in seconds by selecting two activities
• Add custom photos for personalized rewards (Premium)
• Record voice instructions in your voice (Premium)
• Always with you on your phone or tablet
• Works offline—no internet required
• Privacy-first—data stays on your device

Whether you choose paper or digital, the key is to start using First/Then boards consistently. Pick one challenging moment in your day and try it today.

Download MyVisualRoutine free and create your first First/Then board in under a minute.

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Related Resources:

• How to Create a Visual Schedule
• First/Then Board Feature Guide
• Choice Boards for Communication
• Day Plans for Full-Day Structure

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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare provider, therapist, or educator. Every individual is unique, and strategies should be tailored to specific needs with guidance from qualified professionals.