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First-Then Boards

Your guide to creating first-then boards to simplify tasks and motivate kids in a snap!

Malak Abdelghaffar avatar
Written by Malak Abdelghaffar
Updated yesterday

A First-Then Board is a powerful visual tool that helps children understand the flow of activities by showing them what they need to do first and what comes next. Whether you’re guiding transitions, encouraging independence, or reinforcing positive behavior—this tool keeps things clear, calm, and child-friendly.

✨ Smooth transitions: Help kids easily navigate changes between activities.
🎯 Goal-driven fun: Motivate them with clear rewards for completing tasks.
🛠️ Structured support: Provide a roadmap that fosters independence.

Step 1: Customize Your Board

⚙️ Start by making the board feel personalized and just right for your kiddo.

  • Pick the reading level: Match the text to your child’s reading ability.

  • Decide on # of boards: Choose the number of boards you want to create.

  • Select/create a child profile: You can select a pre-made child profile, create a child profile from scratch, or continue without selecting a featured child.

Customizing First-Then Boards on Nookly: Choose reading level, number of boards, and child profile before creating visual behavior tools for kids

Step 2: Choose Your Board Layout

🧩 Depending on how many tasks you want to include and how many reward options you'd like to show, Nookly gives you three layout types to choose from:

Three First-Then Board layout options on Nookly for teaching motivation: simple task-reward board, two-step task board with reward, and interactive board with multiple reward choices.

1️⃣ Layout 1: Simple First-Then Board

The most straightforward structure — one clear task followed by one motivating reward.

✅ Perfect for:

  • Simpler routines

  • Quick transitions

  • Clear instructions

🛠️ Board Layout:

  • First: What your child needs to do (e.g., "Put on shoes")

  • Then: The fun reward or break that follows (e.g., "Play outside")

Example of a simple First-Then board layout for children on Nookly, showing a child completing a task like tidying toys followed by a reward like tablet time

2️⃣ Layout 2: Two-Step First-Then + Single Reward

This layout breaks tasks into smaller steps while keeping the motivation clear at the end.

✅ Perfect for:

  • Students who benefit from chunking

  • Prepping for longer tasks

  • Visualizing a bigger goal

🛠️ Board Layout:

  • First: The first task (e.g., "Put on shoes")

  • Then: A second task (e.g., "Clean up toys")

  • I am working for: The reward/motivator (e.g., "Tablet time")

Example of a two-step First-Then board layout for kids on Nookly, featuring a child completing two tasks like reading and cleaning before earning a reward like playing with a toy car

3️⃣ Layout 3: First-Then with Multiple Reward Options (Static or Interactive Modes)

This layout encourages choice-making by allowing you (or your student) to select from multiple reward options.

✅ Perfect for:

  • Kids who thrive with options

  • Encouraging decision-making

  • Keeping routines flexible and engaging

🛠️ Board Layout:

  • First: The first task to complete

  • Then: A second task before the reward

  • I am working for: Drag-and-drop one reward from the list

  • Reward Options: Add up to 3 custom rewards (e.g., "Coloring", "Screen Time", "Play Outside")

🖱️ Choose Your Mode:

  • Interactive: Drag-and-drop functionality for hands-on engagement

  • Static: Use it as a printed or non-editable visual prompt

Interactive First-Then board on Nookly showing two tasks and three drag-and-drop reward options for kids, with a toggle to switch between interactive and static visual modes

⚡ NOTE: To generate the image for each reward/task, press the arrow icon on the individual box. Image generation may take a few minutes—feel free to explore other tabs while our AI works its magic!

🔁 Revisiting Your Board

Want to edit, review, or reuse your board? Head to your Reading Nook to access all saved First-Then Boards. You can make changes or start new ones anytime!

❤️ Love Your Creation? Share It!

Made a board you'd like to share with a kiddo's family or other professionals? You can share your board with a simple click!

  • Click the Share button (top right corner) to get a shareable link

  • Share on social platforms, email, or by downloading a PDF (Pro feature)

⚡Need help or have questions?

Reach out to us through the chat bubble on the bottom-right corner of your screen or email us at support@nookly.com — we’re always here to help!

Create a First-Then Board
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