Great Start Readiness Program - Kent ISD

First/then can be a verbal or visual cue to teach or remind your child that first they need to complete a task (which may be less desirable) before they can engage in a more desirable activity.

Examples:
–First, brush teeth, then read books
–First, clean up toys, then go play outside
–First, put your dishes in the sink, then play with the dog

You can make first/then visuals like the one on the slide to help your children see the transition. Visit challengingbehavior.org and search the resource library for “first then” for the visuals you can use!

What are some of the first-then statements you have used or plan to use with your own children?



Video description:
Animated educational video titled ‘Transitions: First, Then’. The first slide shows a visual card with two sections labeled ‘First’ and ‘Then’. A picture card labeled ‘brush teeth’ is in the ‘First’ section, and a picture card labeled ‘Read a Book’ is in the ‘Then’ section. Additional picture cards are present representing ‘Get Dressed’ and ‘Indoor Play’. The second slide in the video shows an image of a child putting wooden toys into a basket with the text, ‘First/then can be a verbal or visual cue to tell your child what you expect them to do before they can engage in a more desirable activity.’ There is also an image of a dad with a speech bubble saying, ‘First clean up…’ The third slide completes the sentence in a speech bubble, ‘...then we’ll go to the park’. Images of the dad and a male child walking to the park, sitting on a blanket, and sharing a hug are stacked on the right of the slide with the text, ‘This sets clear expectations and may increase your child’s motivation to complete the less desirable task.

Just like visuals can support routines, visuals can also prepare children for a transition.

For example, if your child is playing with Legos and it is time for a bath, you can show your child the visual for bath time. You could also set up the transition for success by using a timer. For example: “Five more minutes of Legos. Then it is time for a bath.” Remember to make transitions fun. So, on the way to the bath, you could tell your child, “Let’s pretend we are invisible and tiptoe all the way to the bathroom.” Visit challengingbehavior.org and search the resources library for Visual Supports for Routines, Schedules, and Transitions for helpful resources!

Share in the comments below a routine you might want to use a visual for!



Video Description: Animated instructional video titled ‘Transitions Using Visual Cues.’ The video explains how visual supports can help children transition between activities and routines. Examples include showing a child a visual cue for bath time, using countdown reminders such as ‘five more minutes,’ setting up a transition with a timer, and making transitions playful by pretending to be invisible as you tiptoe to the bathroom. The video includes photos of adults and children interacting, toy blocks, a timer graphic, and illustrated visual schedule cards on a colorful background

While things might pop up in our busy schedules with work, school, and family, we must try to keep the day-to-day routines consistent or as close to the same as possible. We also know there may be times when we have to change the routine for various reasons. If you are using a visual schedule, you can change the picture and prepare your child for the change. This will help limit frustration, disappointment, and confusion, making that change in routine less challenging. Have you used a visual schedule for your family? Is it something you’re interested in trying? Share your thoughts in the comments below.



Video description: Animated instructional video titled ‘A Visual Schedule for at Home.’ The video demonstrates how to create a visual schedule using paper or cardboard, Velcro or magnetic strips, an envelope, and pictures representing parts of a child’s routine. Images of routine tasks, such as putting on pajamas and reading a book, are added to the schedule board. Arrows and labels explain each component as the visual schedule is assembled step by step on a colorful pastel background

Another way to help children learn and follow routines is by using their interests. Incorporating play and playful moments into your everyday routines will make them more fun for everyone! Share in the comments how you make everyday routines more fun for your family!



Another way to help children learn and follow routines is by using their interests. Incorporating play and playful moments into your everyday routines will make them more fun for everyone! Share in the comments how you make everyday routines more fun for your family!



Video content: The video opens with the text ‘Make routines easier by… Using Interests!’ on a comic-style background. It then introduces a child named Sam, who does not like getting ready for school but enjoys pretending to be a superhero. Images of a child in a superhero cape and comic-style graphics appear on screen. The video explains that Sam’s mom asks which superhero he wants to be and uses that superhero name throughout the morning routine to encourage participation and engagement. Final slide of the video with comic-style graphics and text reading ‘Preferences can be…’ followed by examples in large text bubbles: ‘Objects,’ ‘People,’ ‘Places,’ and ‘Activities.’ The slide uses colorful, patterned backgrounds and speech-bubble shapes.