first next then visual schedule chart

If you’ve ever found yourself repeating, “First put your shoes on, then we can play,” you’re not alone. I have! My children need clear, visual reminders of what comes next—especially those who thrive on routine and predictability.

A First Next Then visual schedule chart is one of the most effective tools I’ve used for helping young students understand expectations, transition between activities, and build independence in the classroom, at home or during therapy sessions.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, homeschooler, or therapist, try these simple visual support to make your daily routines smoother and reduce frustration for everyone.

What Is a First Next Then Visual Schedule?

A First Next Then chart is a visual schedule that breaks tasks into manageable steps.

Instead of giving multiple verbal directions, children see exactly what happens:

First: Complete the current task.

Next: See what comes after.

Then: Enjoy a preferred activity or continue with the daily routine.

Simple sequences helps children understand that every activity has a beginning, middle, and end.

Who Benefits from a First Next Then Chart?

Visual schedules are helpful for many children, including:

Special Education
Children with autism
Students with ADHD
Preschool and kindergarten learners
Children with speech or language delays
Early learners building independence
Any child who benefits from predictable routines

Because visuals stay consistent, I often find my students refering back to them without relying on repeated verbal reminders.

Benefits of Using a First Next Then Visual Schedule

Reduces Anxiety –

Knowing what comes next helps children feel more secure during transitions.

Encourages Independence

Children begin checking the chart instead of asking what they should do next.

Supports Positive Behavior

Clear expectations often reduce power struggles and improve cooperation.

Builds Executive Function Skills

Children practice planning, sequencing, and completing tasks independently.

Makes Transitions Easier

Moving from preferred to non-preferred activities becomes more predictable.

Ways to Use a First Next Then Chart

Your visual schedule can be used throughout the day in class or at home.

Examples include:

Morning Routine

First: Get dressed
Next: Brush teeth
Then: Eat breakfast

Classroom

First: Morning work
Next: Reading
Then: Centers

Homework Time

First: Math
Next: Reading
Then: Screen time

Therapy Sessions

First: Complete activity
Next: Sensory break
Then: Choice reward

Why Teachers Love Visual Schedules

Teachers often use visual supports because they:

Reduce repetitive instructions
Improve classroom routines
Help students transition calmly
Encourage independent work
Support inclusive classrooms

I always keep multiple First Next Then charts ready for individualized supports.

Features of This Printable First Next Then Visual Schedule

This resource is printable and designed to be practical, durable, and easy to customise.

Included:

Printable First Next Then chart
Simple visual layout
Easy-to-read design
Black-and-white friendly option
Classroom and home use
Laminating-friendly pages for repeated use

Perfect for:

Special education classrooms
Preschool
Kindergarten
HomeschoolOccupational therapySpeech therapyABA sessionsHome routines

Tips for Success

To get the best results with this support:

Introduce one routine at a time.
Keep language simple.
Pair visuals with consistent verbal prompts.
Celebrate completed tasks.
Let children move or check off completed activities whenever possible.

Consistency is the key to making visual schedules successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a First Next Then chart for?

Most children ages 2–8 benefit, but visual schedules can support older students with additional learning needs as well.

Can I laminate it?

Yes! Laminating the chart allows you to use dry-erase markers or attach reusable picture cards with hook-and-loop dots.

Can it be used at home?

Absolutely. Parents often use First Next Then charts for bedtime, morning routines, chores, homework, and transitions.

Get Your Printable First Next Then Visual Schedule

If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce daily stress, encourage independence, and create smoother routines, this printable visual schedule is a great place to start.

It is designed for busy teachers, parents, therapists, and homeschool families who want an effective visual support that’s simple to print and use immediately.

Ready to simplify routines? Download your First Next Then Visual Schedule Chart today from my Teachers Pay Teachers store and start building more confident, independent learners.

Pick up A FREEBIE – First next then visual schedules on TPT

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of Behavior supports there are available out there! Are you looking for that particular one you need to help you manage behaviors and maintain structure in your classroom! These powerful strategies below might just help you create the classroom you want. Have a look at the different types of classroom management tools I use to achieve the Special Ed class I have.

# 1 Critical Communication Cards

Critical Communication Cards – To teach new skills such as requesting “break please”, “help” and “wait” self -management strategies.

QUICK TIP – I hang these cards close to my Calm Down Corner so my students have easy access.

Subscribe and Pick up a FREE cute “Break” Sample Card and get notifications of all my freebies

#2 Social Supports Strips

Social Supports – To help my students understand how to behave or respond in a particular situation using a visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviours, skills or concept.

QUICK TIP – I place them on the edge of tables to remind students on their choices.

#3 Visual Folder Supports

Visual folder supports – A place for my students to keep all their daily and most used visuals all in one place, ideal for quick support.

QUICK TIP – My students use these throughout the day and follow the schedule to stay on task. They choose a reward to use with the Token Economy system and have the visuals they might need ready to use.

#4 Self Regulation Tools

.Self regulation tools – I’ve made tools individually accessible for my students to use in a handy little booklet.

QUICK TIP – I bind then as a book and keep them on hand for self management, each one tailored to individual needs that help them to self-regulate.

#5 First and Then Strategies

First and Then – By using this strategy my students know what they must complete before having what they want, it also provides structure in their behaviour support plans.

QUICK TIP – If my students are finding it difficult to stay on track, I use the first and then strategy to remind them of what they are working for.

#6 Token Economy Rewards

Token Economy – A powerful method of strengthening new skills and behaviours, The tokens are a way of “paying” my students for completing tasks and then they can be used to trade for desired activities or items they choose.

QUICK TIP – I use this board when I start teaching the Token economy strategy, its a classroom resource that I can adapt with motivator choices for individual needs.

#7 Communication Binder

Communication Binder – My students can use their Daily Binders to aid Communication throughout the day and support them with any frustration or anxiety they may feel.

QUICK TIP – My student each have their own communication book which once laminated I place in a binder to keep the visuals safe

#8 Daily Visuals

Daily Visuals – A selection of visuals for Speech Therapy, Special Education and Autism to support communication in the classroom and at home. QUICK TIP – These have bigger visuals which are more suitable for students that are learning picture to item recognition. Students can point to what they want, need or feel.

#9 Token or Ticks Cards

Token or ticks – Point cards for some of my students to earn ticks for preferred behaviour.

QUICK TIP – I print a stack of these out to use when i need them, usually when I’m teaching a focused task. I ask before starting the task what they want to working for and tick off the boxes throughout to keep them motivated and earn the reward they’ve chosen..

#10 Daily Planner

Daily Planner – This Support folder is a place for my student to keep track of the days of the week, check their schedule, ask for task items they may need and support behavior before it arises.

QUICK TIP – A class daily organiser for my higher ability students. It helps them manage their day, hold motivator visuals, and reminds them of the rules in class.