First, Then Board ~ Parent Coaching Lesson Plan

A practical parent coaching lesson plan for teaching families to use first then visuals to support transitions and challenging tasks.

The First, Then Board lesson plan provides BCBAs with a clear, structured framework for introducing and coaching families on this evidence informed visual strategy. The resource outlines a three session progression that includes guided discussion, modeling, role play, and home practice. It is designed for use in parent coaching sessions, clinic based services, classrooms, and school consultations where learners have difficulty starting or completing non preferred tasks. By setting expectations visually before a task begins, the plan helps reduce repeated verbal prompting and supports calmer, more predictable routines.

Why Download This Resource?

• Help caregivers replace repeated verbal reminders with a clear visual sequence that shows what comes next
• Support smoother transitions by clearly pairing tasks with motivating follow up activities
• Increase consistency across adults by coaching teams to use the same visual language and approach

What You’ll Get:

• A structured three session parent coaching lesson plan aligned with the First, Then Board
• Session outlines with discussion prompts, modeling guidance, and practice opportunities
• Coaching support for distinguishing proactive use from reactive responses
• Homework and action items to support real world practice between sessions
• Guidance for selecting motivating then activities and adapting the board across routines

Use the First, Then Board lesson plan to help families build predictable routines and clear expectations through simple, effective visuals.