Special Educators often have particular needs for different types of disabilities. There are a variety of commonly used resources for these different needs. One of the more commonly used techniques is the incorporation of visual aids. Visual representation of an action is a great tool that can provide a great amount of support to both the educator and the student. A popular visual aid in classrooms all over is a First Then Board.
What is a First Then Board and Who Uses Them?
First Then Boards, also known as If, Then Boards, are a way for the student to have a visual representation of what comes first and what comes after - a visual sequence. They typically display only two tasks or items at a time. Occasionally, they will be used for students who can handle three items at a time, but that is not as common. First Then Boards are designed to be basic, as to not overwhelm the students. They are often used in special education classrooms. Students with behavior and language difficulties (receptive and/or expressive) benefit the most from this type of visual aid. The creator of the boards can be teachers, therapists, and even parents of the student/ child who needs it.
Where Would I Use Them?
Visual boards are most frequently used in schools or therapeutic settings but they are not limited to just those two. Parents and caretakers can also take advantage of these types of boards in the home.
Here is an example of a First Then Board for home:
When Would I Use Them?
The most popular use for this board is to represent a student’s schedule. It will show the event that occurs first and the event that occurs after.
Many children can learn a routine rather quickly; in fact, many children (and adults) thrive on routine. These boards are great for strengthening the routine, but are also a way to prepare students for a non-routine event soon to occur.
Why Use Storyboard That?
Storyboard That is an excellent resource for creating these types of visual boards for both classroom and home use. Our Traditional layout provides a natural representation to create the boards without a lot of reconfiguration. Plus, our image library is vast and always expanding! You can easily copy the templates above or create your own, tailored to your own preferences or your student's needs.
If you want to add or remove cells, select “Add Cells”.
With these types of visual aids, simpler is better. Basic images are less likely to distract your students and allow them to keep focused on the information being displayed on the board. Of course, as the teacher, therapist, or parent, you know the children best and will know what type of visual representation works best for the individuals. Storyboard That allows for endless customization!
How to Create a First Then Board with Storyboard That
Determine the Tasks or Items
Identify the two tasks or items that you want to display in the First Then Board. These can be daily routines, specific activities, or tasks that the student needs to complete.
Choose a First Then Board Template
Access Storyboard That and select the Traditional layout to create your First Then Board. Choose a template that suits your needs or start with a blank canvas.
Add Text and Images
In the first cell, add text or an image representing the first task or item. This can be a written description or a visual representation. Repeat the same for the second cell, representing the subsequent task or item.
Customize and Personalize
Customize the First Then Board to fit your preferences and the student's needs. Adjust the layout, font, and colors to enhance visual appeal and clarity. Consider using images from Storyboard That's vast library to create a visual representation that resonates with the student.
Optional: Add or Remove Cells
If you want to include additional tasks or items, you can add more cells to the board. Use the "Add Cells" feature in Storyboard That to extend the board and include more steps in the sequence. However, remember to keep the board simple and not overwhelm the student with too many items.
Save, Print, or Share
Once you have completed the First Then Board, save it on Storyboard That for future use or print it out for immediate use in the classroom or at home. You can also share the board digitally with colleagues, parents, or caregivers to ensure consistency and support for the student.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Then Boards
Who can benefit from using first-then boards?
First-then boards can be beneficial for individuals of all ages who struggle with completing tasks, particularly those with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, or executive function deficits. They can also be useful for children who need structure and routine in their daily lives.
Who can benefit from using first-then boards in the classroom?
First-then boards can be beneficial for individuals of all ages who struggle with completing tasks, particularly those with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, or executive function deficits. They can also be useful for children who need structure and routine in their daily lives. First-then boards can be used in the classroom to help students with time management, task completion, and behavior management. Teachers can use them to break down complex tasks into smaller steps, provide a visual reminder of the tasks that need to be completed, and reinforce positive behaviors. They can be particularly useful for students with ADHD, executive function deficits, or autism.
How can first-then boards be used in the classroom at different levels?
First-then boards can be used in the classroom at different levels in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:
- Elementary School: At the elementary level, first-then boards can be used to help students with transitions between activities. For example, a teacher can create a board with a picture of a math worksheet in the first column and a picture of a fun activity such as a game or craft in the second column. The teacher can then use the board to reinforce completing the math worksheet before moving on to the fun activity.
- Middle School: At the middle school level, first-then boards can be used to help students with time management and completing longer-term assignments. For example, a teacher can create a board with a picture of a research project in the first column and a picture of a reward such as extra free time or a special privilege in the second column. The teacher can then use the board to break down the research project into smaller steps and reinforce completing each step before moving on to the next one.
- High School: At the high school level, first-then boards can be used to help students with executive functioning skills and preparing for post-secondary education. For example, a teacher can create a board with a picture of college applications in the first column and a picture of a reward such as a college visit or a scholarship application in the second column. The teacher can then use the board to help students stay organized and motivated as they navigate the college application process.
Overall, first-then boards can be adapted to suit the specific needs of students at different levels in the classroom. They can be used to provide structure, reinforce positive behaviors, and break down complex tasks into smaller steps.
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