Give your students clear expectations and motivating visual support with this First-Then Token Board System designed for autism, ABA therapy, and special education classrooms. This resource includes 10 printable First-Then boards, 7 token style choices, and 30 motivator visual cards—perfect for behavior reinforcement, task completion, transitions, and classroom routines.
These ready-to-use visual supports helps students understand what comes next, stay on task, and build independence. Ideal for autism classrooms, resource teachers, ABA therapists and SLPs.
Perfect for SPED, autism support, ABA, and behavior management
Perfect For
Autism support classrooms
ABA therapy sessions
Special Education teachers
Behavior intervention plans
Visual schedules and routines
Task completion and transitions
Reinforcement systems
Early childhood + Not Grade Specific
This printable First-Then Token Board is a must-have for autism support and special education! Visual schedules, motivator choices, and token options all included.
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✔ Supports communication for nonverbal or minimally verbal learners ✔ Reduces challenging behaviors by clarifying expectations ✔ Increases student motivation and independence ✔ Flexible use with ANY classroom routine ✔ Easy to print, laminate, and reuse
Classroom management in a special education setting often requires creative, student-centered strategies that support diverse learning needs. One highly effective and versatile tool that special educators use is visual direction cards.
Visual direction cards are more than just classroom aides — they are tools that foster independence, reduce behavioral challenges, and create a more structured and inclusive learning environment.
What Are Visual Direction cue Cards?
Visual direction cards are simple, illustrated cues that provide clear, step-by-step instructions or expectations. They often use a combination of text and images or symbols to help students understand what is being asked of them, even if they struggle with verbal instructions or have limited language skills.
Examples include:
“Sit down”
“Raise your hand”
“Get your materials”
“Take a break”
“All done”
They can be printed on cardstock, laminated, attached to lanyards, placed on desks, or mounted on Velcro boards for easy access and use
Why Use Visual Direction Cards?
1. Promote Independence Visuals allow students to process information at their own pace. Instead of relying on adult prompting, they can refer to cards to understand what to do next. This boosts confidence and helps them develop problem-solving skills.
2. Reduce Verbal Overload Many students in special ed settings experience sensory processing or language delays. Visual directions minimize stress by providing clear, concise instructions without relying on verbal cues.
3. Support Positive Behavior When expectations are clear, students are more likely to engage in appropriate behavior. Visual cards can be used proactively to guide transitions, routines, and self-regulation.
4. Increase Classroom Efficiency With visual directions in place, teachers can spend less time repeating instructions and more time facilitating learning.
Strategies for Using Visual Direction Cards Effectively
1. Teach the Cards Introduce cards one at a time during calm, structured parts of the day. Model the behavior and have students practice using them until they become familiar.
2. Make It Student-Centered Personalize cards for individual needs. Some students may need large icons, others may benefit from first-person phrasing (“I need a break”), or even real photos instead of clipart.
3. Create a Visual Schedule Use direction cards to build a daily schedule that students can follow independently. This supports executive functioning and helps reduce anxiety during transitions.
4. Pair with Reinforcement Systems When students successfully follow visual directions, reinforce their efforts with praise, token boards, or other motivators. This strengthens the connection between visual cues and positive behavior.
5. Encourage Generalization Use direction cards in different settings — during centers, specials, lunch, or community outings or for personal hygiene — so students learn to apply the skills beyond the classroom.
Visual direction cards may seem simple, but their impact is profound. They empower students with the tools they need to be more independent, confident, and successful in and out of the classroom.
As a special education teacher, your ability to adapt tools like visual cards can transform daily routines and build lifelong skills for your students.
Every child has their own way of learning and as teachers, we play a powerful role in helping them feel safe, seen, and successful. Here are 5 strategies that I use to promote inclusive learning for my Special Ed Classroom.
1. In my Classroomwe:
Offer choices in how students learn (visuals, hands-on, listening, movement).
Use visual schedules and clear routines to help reduce anxiety.
Allow extra time for transitions or assignments.
Create quiet spaces or “calm corners” for breaks.
2.WeCelebrate Strengths by:
Focusing on what each student can do, not just where they struggle.
Share positive feedback often — even for small steps.
Highlight special interests to motivate learning (e.g., dinosaurs, trains, superheroes).
Encourage peer recognition of everyone’s strengths.
3.WeUse Clear, Supportive Communication
Speak insimple language.
Give one instruction at a time, when needed.
Use visual aids (pictures, icons, charts) to support understanding.
Offer choices when possible (“Do you want to write with a pencil or a marker?”).
5.Friendship & Kindness
Build a classroom culture where differences are normal and celebrated.
Teach and model kindness, sharing and friendship. Use buddy systems to promote friendships and cooperative learning.
Read inclusive books and discuss different ways of thinking.
Supporting young learners with autism often means creating structure, predictability, and positive reinforcement throughout the day. One of the most effective ways to do this is through visual strategies. These tools help children understand expectations, make choices, and feel successful — especially when words alone aren’t enough.
Take a look at some of the strategies I use in my classroom.
1. Visual Behavior Support Folder
A Visual Behavior Support Folder is a personalized toolkit that can travel with the child. It includes key visual supports in one place, making it easy for adults to provide guidance on the go.
What to include:
Emotion cards (happy, sad, angry, etc.)
Coping strategy visuals (deep breaths, sensory break, ask for help)
First-Then board
Mini schedule or task strip
Token board
This folder becomes the child’s go-to support system, helping them navigate routines and handle challenges with confidence.
2. Token Reward Systems
Token systems are a great way to encourage positive behavior and build motivation. Children earn tokens for meeting expectations, which they can exchange for a reward (like a favorite toy, snack, or activity).
How it works:
Choose a goal behavior (e.g., “Quiet hands” or “Follow directions”).
Let the child earn tokens (stickers, stars, smiley faces).
When the token board is full, they get their reward!
It’s simple, visual, and celebrates success — which builds self-esteem and keeps motivation high.
3. Visual Schedules
Visual schedules help children know what to expect. They reduce anxiety, increase independence, and improve transitions.
Types of visual schedules:
Daily Schedule: Shows the whole day’s routine with pictures (e.g., snack, play, circle time, home).
Mini Schedules: Break down specific routines like handwashing, getting ready, or center time.
You can use Velcro or dry-erase systems to allow flexibility and changes.
4. First-Then Boards
First-Then boards help clarify what needs to happen now and what comes next — especially helpful for non-preferred tasks.
For example:
First: Finish puzzle
Then: iPad time
This simple format helps reduce resistance and supports smooth transitions. Pairing something less preferred with something motivating is a powerful strategy for cooperation.
Visual strategies aren’t just helpful — they’re essential tools for many young learners with autism. By creating structure and reinforcing positive behavior, tools like token boards, visual schedules, and behavior support in a folder can make everyday life more manageable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Quick Tip: Start small. Pick one tool and give it a try. Over time, you’ll see how much visual support can help your learner thrive.
Help preschoolers learn how to use safe hands with this simple, engaging social skills story! Designed especially for young learners, this adapted story uses clear language and supportive visuals to teach the importance of keeping hands to ourselves in a positive and age-appropriate way.
This short story teaches the concept of “safe hands”—what it means, why it’s important, and how it looks in real life. Paired with simple, clear illustrations and a hands-on visual activity, this tool supports comprehension, regulation, and positive social interaction.
Perfect for:
Preschool and Pre-K
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Behavior support and classroom Expectations
What’s Included:
✅ Easy-to-read social story (kid-friendly text)
✅ Visual supports on every page, some detachable
✅ Printable with some Adaptable pages
✅ Great for whole-group lessons, small groups, or one-on-one use
This resource helps teachers, therapists, and parents gently guide children through real-life situations where they can make safe and kind choices. Great for supporting classroom expectations or helping individual students who need extra practice.
Why You’ll Love It: * Clear visuals support comprehension * Repetitive and predictable text builds confidence * Easy to print, laminate
Start building safe habits with this friendly, visual social story your kids will love!
