First-Then charts: How this visual will prevent a power struggle and help school counselors, teachers, and parents find a common ground.

One thing I realize as an elementary school counselor is that classroom teachers and parents can use the same tools when working with children. 

Kids often need reminders when it comes to completing a task. Whether it is a teacher reminding a student to finish an assignment, parents reminding children to clean their room, or school counselors reminding students to think before reacting, a first-then chart will help with redirection and serve as a reminder to children of an expectation and the reward or consequence.

As a school counselor who provides support to students, I am always looking for concrete strategies and tools to use that will help support student thinking. I have found that a first-then chart is simple to understand and easy to teach. I use them to help my students think through situations and come up with positive solutions.  For example, I recently worked with a small group of students who were having a hard time staying seated, which often led to classroom disruptions. In-group, we decided to set a behavior goal using a first-then chart as a visual reminder. The entire group wanted to use the same goal: “First I stay in my seat for 30 minutes, and then I will get a 2 minute break.” Each student in the group met the goal and was given a break.

First-then charts are not only helpful for school counselors, they can be helpful for classroom teachers too. Teachers who struggle with students NOT completing assignments, may find first-then charts useful when motivating students. Examples of this can be….

“First you complete half of the assignment, then you will get 5 minutes of free time” or “First you complete morning work, then you can get a sticker.”

It is important for teachers to give an immediate reward to students who complete the request. That way they will continue to take ownership of the visual chart.

As a parent of a 5 year old boy who refuses to eat vegetables and only wants chicken nuggets, I found using first-then statements such as “first you eat the broccoli, then you get some chicken nuggets” or “first you pick up your toys, then you will get your computer” followed by a visual is helpful when getting him to do what I ask. With my child being so young, I have him create his own first-then chart with me, which helps to engage him in the process.

It is really simple, all you need is a piece of construction paper and some markers. Fold the paper in half, and lift the top flap. Cut the top flap in half and have the child write First on the left side and Then on the right. Lift the flap with the word first up and have the child write and draw what they need to do. Lift the flap with the word then up and have the child write and draw the reward.

Keep in mind, children are naturally inquisitive about different situations and often wonder why they are asked to complete a certain task. They will also push the limit by waiting until the last minute before complying with a demand. Whether they are asked to complete an assignment, eat vegetables, or stay on task, some children are going to want to know what’s in it for them if they complete the task. Most kids are driven by incentives, like my son who wants something in return, so using this chart will help.