To shepherd children ages 3 through 9 in completing non-preferred tasks in family or group settings. Kids often don’t want to do activities that are required of them such as showering, going to bed, homework, etc. Use this activity to move those difficult moments along.
Large poster board, scissors, a glue stick, card stock or a file folder, push pins or tape, pictures (photographs, pictures from magazines, images from Google images, cereal boxes, household supplies, wrappers, etc.)
A FIRST/THEN board can be used to communicate a sequence of events or to reinforce completion of a non-preferred activity. A first/then board can be used in a variety of ways:
• To assist with transition from one activity to another
• To assist in completing non-preferred tasks by reinforcing with a preferred activity
• Breaking a large schedule or sequence of events into smaller steps
First/Then board can be broken down into two-step activities, for example, “FIRST read a chapter; THEN use the computer.”
You can also break down the FIRST into smaller steps, for example, “FIRST shirt, pants, socks, and THEN use the computer.”
1. Gather the materials listed earlier. Tip: Every picture should have a label so the child can associate the written text with the picture.
2. Collect pictures to represent activities.
3. Cut the pictures out and paste them on card stock for durability or print on card stock.
5. Label top of the poster in two columns: FIRST/ THEN for each activity you are reinforcing.
All FIRST activities are attached under the first column and all THEN activities are attached across from the FIRST activity.