# First-then board examples for every part of the day

> Twenty real examples for mornings, meals, bath, outings and school, and how to pick a 'then' that works.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/first-then-board-examples
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-29

**Short answer:** A first-then board shows one less-preferred task, then something your child likes: "First shoes, then park." Good examples: first teeth, then story; first bath, then iPad; first car seat, then snack; first tidy up, then bubbles. Keep the 'first' short and clear, make the 'then' something your child really wants, and give it straight away.

**Key takeaways**
- **First**: a short, clear task. **Then**: something your child wants.
- Give the 'then' **straight away**.
- Use **photos** of your child's real things.
- Start with **one or two** hard moments.

## What are good first-then examples?

| Time of day | First | Then |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Morning | Get dressed | Breakfast |
| Morning | Shoes on | Car |
| Morning | Brush teeth | Favourite song |
| Meals | Wash hands | Snack |
| Meals | Sit at table | Choose a drink |
| Meals | One bite of new food | Favourite food |
| Bath | Hair wash | Bath toy |
| Bath | Bath | iPad |
| Bedtime | Pajamas | Story |
| Bedtime | Toilet | Cuddle |
| Outings | Car seat | Snack |
| Outings | Shop | Park |
| Outings | Doctor | Sticker |
| Outings | Haircut | Playground |
| Home | Tidy up | Bubbles |
| Home | Homework | Screen time |
| Home | Put on coat | Go outside |
| School | Circle time | Blocks |
| School | Work | Break |
| School | Line up | Recess |

First-then boards combine visual supports and reinforcement, both evidence-based practices.[1][2]

## How do I pick a 'then' that works?

**Try:**
- Something your child picks
- Short activities
- Giving it right away

**Skip:**
- A 'then' that happens hours later
- Changing the 'then' after the 'first'
- Long 'first' tasks at the start

Free printable: [Free first-then printable](https://theautismkit.com/printables/first-then-board.pdf)

## What can I try this week?

- [ ] Pick one hard moment
- [ ] Choose a 'then' with your child
- [ ] Give the 'then' right away

Read next: [How do first-then boards work?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/first-then-boards)

## Common questions

### What if the 'then' is something my child gets anyway?

That's fine. Even ordinary next steps, like 'first shoes, then car', help by showing what comes next.

### Can the 'then' be food?

Sometimes, but activities, toys and time with you work well too.

### How many first-then boards should I use?

Start with one or two hard moments a day.

## Sources

1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Reinforcement. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/reinforcement

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.