Little Regulated Life

Guides

Now and Next boards: what they are and how to use them

A Now and Next board shows just two things: what’s happening now, and what comes next. It’s the smallest visual schedule there is, and often the most useful.

Why just two cards?

A full timetable can be a lot to take in. Two cards are easy to read at a glance, which makes Now and Next good for moving between activities, for younger children, and for busy moments like leaving the house.

Now and Next or First and Then?

They look alike but do slightly different jobs. Now and Next simply shows the order of the day. First and Then pairs something your child needs to do with something they’d like to do: “First shoes on, then go outside.” Both are useful; First and Then works best when it’s used honestly, so the “then” always happens.

How to use it

  1. Put the current activity in Now and the next one in Next before the change, not during it.
  2. Point and say it: “Now lunch, next playtime.”
  3. When Now is finished, move Next across and add the following card.
  4. Keep it where your child can see it, or carry it with you. A small board on a lanyard or a photo on your phone both work.

Making it stick

Use it on easy days as well as hard ones, so it becomes part of the routine rather than a warning sign. Keep the same pictures your child sees elsewhere, at home and at school, so they don’t have to learn a new set.

Try it with the free set

A First and Then board, six morning picture cards and a one-page how-to, in UK A4 and US Letter. You’ll also get 20% off your first kit.

Get the free starter set

Kits that go with this guide

  • School Day timetable (£4.99): A visual timetable with 45 cards for home or the classroom, plus a Today board.
  • Classroom Pack (£9.99): The School Day timetable, Now and Next, token board and break cards in one download. Save £4.47.
  • Now and Next board (£3.49): A big Now and Next board, take-along strips and 45 picture cards.
  • First and Then board (£3.49): A First and Then board, small boards to carry, choice boards and 45 cards.

Written by a dad to an autistic son with ADHD. This is everyday parenting advice, not medical or therapy advice. If you’re worried about your child, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCo.