Build Your First “First-Then” Board
Duration
15 minutes to set up
Ages
2–10
Levels
L2, L3
Goal
Reduce transition meltdowns by making 'what's next' visual and concrete.
What you'll need
- Two pieces of cardstock
- Velcro dots
- Photos or icons (printed or hand-drawn)
Step by step
- 1
Pick one daily transition your child struggles with (e.g., leaving the park).
- 2
Make two cards: one for the non-preferred (leaving park) and one for the preferred (snack at home).
- 3
Show the board: point and say 'First park, then snack.' Keep it short.
- 4
When it's time to transition, show the board again, point, and walk through it.
- 5
When you arrive home, immediately deliver the snack. Trust the system.
Variations & next steps
Once mastered, expand to a 3- or 4-card mini schedule. Eventually move to a full visual day plan.