Super Star Schedules-- First-Then Schedules

Throughout the year we have shared a variety of visual schedules for students of all ages and ability levels. But what if you have a student who needs a more simplified option? Then a First-Then Schedule may be a good choice.

First-Then Schedules are great for students who get easily overwhelmed visually by too many icons being presented at once. This can be used in lieu of a whole day visual schedule.

Robbie Whorton
Trotwood-Madison High School, Trotwood

Another thing to consider when implementing a First-Then Schedule is the student's ability to transition. If they are unable to transition to the correct location when looking at the activity listed, then they may need a Location-Based First-Then Schedule which shows an icon of the location they need to transition to First and Then where they get to go when finished.

Mandy Whitfield
MCESC Learning Center- East, MCESC

They can also be used for students who have challenging behavior when it its time to complete an adult-directed task because they can be used to communicate exactly what needs to be done in order to earn free time or a favorite item or activity. The adult-directed task is "First" and then they can choose what goes in the "Then" section. This can serve as a visual reminder when working to keep them on task. Therefore the student may have a daily visual schedule and a First-Then board that is used during work times or when more challenging behavior typically occurs.

Tabitha Eaton
Main Elementary, Beavercreek

Jackie Vollmer
Driscoll Elementary, Centerville

Laura Brown
Perrin Woods Elementary, Springfield

It is important to note that this is a First-Then Schedule, not an If-Then Schedule. The “Then” must always be honored or the child will not trust the tool. For example, if the child struggles with completing a task and the behaviors made the activity take 10 minutes longer than scheduled but they still completed it, then they still earn whatever is in the "Then" section. To avoid this concern, when you begin using a First-Then Schedule for a student with challenging behaviors, it is important to start with something quick and easy as the "First" task such as a simple puzzle, taskbox, or single problem on a worksheet. You can even start with something that is somewhat preferred. This helps them develop an understanding of the schedule and provides buy-in for using the tool. Quick sessions of a single task followed by a short reinforcing break also provides many opportunities to practice throughout the day to build the student;s success. Once they demonstrate understanding of the First-Then Schedule and are more readily completing tasks, you can gradually increase demands.

Laura Spradlin
Valley Forge Elementary, Huber Heights

Keelin DiMuccio
Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek

First-Then schedule can be a bit more challenging for staff to handle because they continually need to be reset throughout the day. Use the front of a binder or folder as the schedule and then store additional pieces inside to keep things organized and easily accessible.

Sarah Moore
Warder Park Wayne Elementary, Springfield

We love this innovative use of an old DVD case!

Margaux Mayhew
Rosa Parks ELC, Dayton

Gradually, as the student begins to understand the sequence of activities, additional icons can be added. 

Tabitha Eaton
Main Elementary, Beavercreek

The First-Then Schedule concept can be used with older students too who need a reminder of what to expect in class. This is a great example used for the entire class. 

Natalie Griffen
Smith Middle School, Vandalia

For more ideas on incorporating schedules beyond the First-Then Schedule, check out our previous posts:

Location-Based Interactive Schedules

Group Schedules

Interactive Schedules

Written Schedules