Steady Hands Co

First-Then Visual Support

A simple visual support system to help children understand what happens first, what comes next, and how to move through tasks with more clarity and motivation.

Overview

First-Then supports help children see what needs to happen first and what comes next.

This resource is designed to support tasks, transitions, routines, and motivation using a clear and simple visual format. Whether you want a reusable template to personalise yourself or a complete pack with ready-made visuals, this support helps adults give children a shorter, clearer message they can understand more easily.

First-Then Template Pack

A simple reusable template set for adults who want to create their own First-Then supports using written words, drawn visuals, or printed cards.

What’s Inside

  • First-Then board with simple instructions
  • reusable double-board template
  • example page using picture cards
  • example page using written words

Best For

This is helpful for parents and teachers who want a flexible, low-prep visual support they can customise quickly. It works well for adults who already have their own icons or prefer to write directly on the board.

Price: $3.90

Purchase Here

First-Then Visual Support Pack

Description

A complete First-Then support pack with guidance pages, reusable templates, example pages, and ready-made First and Then visuals for everyday use.

What’s Inside

  • explanation of what the resource is
  • when to use it
  • how to use it
  • parent tips
  • how to introduce it
  • prompting support
  • reusable First-Then boards
  • example pages
  • ready-made First options
  • ready-made Then options

Best For

This is helpful for adults who want the full system already prepared. Instead of building the support from scratch, they can print, cut, and start using the visuals more quickly.

Price: $7.90

Purchase Here

Who It’s For

These resources may be helpful for:

  • children who need support starting or finishing tasks
  • children who benefit from visual motivation
  • children who need clearer transitions
  • adults supporting routines, participation, and everyday expectations
  • parents, teachers, and therapists who want a simple visual tool that is easy to use consistently

How This Can Help

These supports can help children:

  • understand what needs to happen first
  • know what is coming next
  • move into tasks with less uncertainty
  • see when a preferred activity or break is coming
  • experience more clarity during routines and transitions

The goal is not pressure. The goal is to make expectations easier to understand and easier to follow.

How to Start Using It

Start with one easy success.

Choose:

  • one simple First task
  • one motivating Then activity

Examples from the pack include:

  • First sit, then bubbles
  • First shoes, then playground
  • First one worksheet, then toy

Show the board before the task begins. Keep the message short. Point back to the board if the child needs reminding.

Prompting Support

Start with the least support the child needs.

You can use:

  • pointing to the First-Then board
  • short verbal prompts
  • gestures
  • modelling
  • light physical guidance only if needed

As the child becomes more familiar with the board, reduce support slowly over time.

Flexible Ways to Use It

You can use this support in different ways depending on the child and setting:

  • write directly on the template
  • laminate and reuse
  • attach visuals with Velcro
  • use picture cards
  • use written words only
  • use one board at home and one at school
  • start with one or two familiar examples before expanding

This flexibility is one of the strongest parts of the resource.

Format

These are digital downloads.
No physical product will be shipped.

You can print the pages you need, laminate them if preferred, cut the visual cards, and use them with or without Velcro.

One Step At A Time

A First-Then support does not need to be complicated to be useful.

Start with one small task and one clear next step. Keep the message calm, short, and consistent.

Over time, simple visual supports can help children understand expectations with more confidence and less stress.

You May Also Find These Helpful

Token Boards & Reward Supports

Helpful for children who need a larger reward system alongside First-Then support.

Visual Schedule Boards

Helpful for children who need more than two steps and benefit from a fuller visual routine.

Waiting & Turn Taking Visual Supports

Helpful for children who need support understanding when something preferred is coming next.