Free First-Then Board: Homework, Then Screen Time
A two-cell First-Then board for table work: first homework, then screen time. Swap in your own task and reward, add pictures, and print laminate-ready.
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- Free printable PDF
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The printable is three pages: the board, matching cut-out cards, and a blank board. No email needed.
Screen time is one of the strongest motivators most children have, which makes it a natural reward to pair with homework on a First-Then board. The left slot shows homework under the word First, and the right slot shows the tablet, game, or show your child wants under the word Then. Instead of negotiating in the moment, you can point to the board and let the pictures carry the message that screen time is coming once the work is done.
This setup leans on the Premack principle, where a high-interest activity earns a lower-interest one by clearly following it. Homework often feels open-ended and effortful to a child, and screen time gives that effort a visible finish line. Because the board keeps the reward in sight the whole time, your child is less likely to stall or bargain, since the payoff is already agreed and displayed rather than something they have to argue for.
For this board to build trust, the screen time has to actually happen right after the homework is finished. Point to First and get the work started, keep the reward visible while they push through, then move to Then and hand over the device promptly. If screen time gets delayed or canceled after they held up their end, the board loses its power, so protect that follow-through even on busy evenings.
When to use this template
This board fits the after-school stretch when homework needs to happen before free time, especially if screens are the thing your child is most eager to reach. It works best when you can give a defined amount of screen time immediately after the work is done.
How to customize this template
- Swap the screen picture to match the specific app, game, or show your child is currently into, since a generic tablet icon may not feel as motivating as the real thing.
- Add a real photo of the homework spot or the actual device to make both sides of the board instantly recognizable.
- Relabel the columns as Now and Next if your child or their school already uses that phrasing, since the two systems work the same way.
- Laminate and use Velcro cards so you can pair homework with a different reward on days when screens are not the plan.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a First-Then board different from a reward chart?
- A reward chart usually tracks many tasks over days or weeks before a payoff arrives. A First-Then board handles one step at a time with an immediate reward right after. That short, visible link is what makes it work for children who struggle to wait or to hold a spoken deal in mind.
- Should I put a time limit on the screen reward?
- A defined amount helps, since an open-ended reward can be hard to end and may spark a second battle. Decide the length ahead of time and consider pairing the screen with a visual timer so the finish is expected. Keeping the limit consistent makes the whole routine smoother.
- What if my child refuses to start the homework at all?
- Break the First step into something smaller, like one problem or five minutes, so starting feels manageable. You can also make sure the Then reward is genuinely wanted that day. If refusal continues, the homework itself may be too hard, which is worth checking separately from the board.
- Is First-Then only for younger kids?
- No. Older children and teens can use it too, though they often prefer plain words or small photos over cartoon symbols. The visible cause-and-effect structure helps at any age when a demanding task needs a clear, motivating payoff.
- Can I use this board every day without it losing effect?
- Yes, as long as you honor the reward each time. Daily use actually helps, because the routine becomes predictable and your child learns to trust it. If motivation dips, refresh the Then picture to match what they currently want most.