Free First-Next-Then Potty Routine Board
A three-cell First-Next-Then board for the potty routine: first toilet, next wash hands, then a sticker. Swap in your own steps and print laminate-ready.
- 3 steps
- Free printable PDF
- Editable in browser
The printable is three pages: the board, matching cut-out cards, and a blank board. No email needed.
Using the toilet is not a single action, it is a short sequence, which is why this board uses three steps instead of two. First shows using the toilet, Next shows washing hands, and Then shows a sticker or other reward. Laying out all three pictures helps your child see the full routine at once, so the hand-washing step that kids often skip becomes a clear part of the process rather than an afterthought.
The three-step First-Next-Then format still rests on the Premack principle, with the sticker or reward at the end motivating the steps that come before it. Breaking the routine into visible parts also reduces the confusion that can make potty training stressful, since your child always knows what they just did and what comes next. The reward at the end gives the whole sequence a satisfying finish that encourages them to come back to it.
Walk through the board in order, pointing to each picture as your child completes that step, and deliver the reward right after hand-washing so the connection stays strong. Keep the sequence the same every time, because consistency is what helps a routine stick. This board supports the visual side of potty training and pairs well with whatever reward system and schedule you are already using at home.
When to use this template
This board suits children who are learning the full toilet routine and tend to forget or skip steps like washing hands. It works best during active potty training when you can be present to guide each step and give the reward immediately at the end.
How to customize this template
- Swap the final reward picture to match what actually motivates your child, whether that is a sticker, a small treat, or a favorite short activity.
- Add real photos of your own bathroom, sink, and reward chart so each step is instantly recognizable to your child.
- Relabel the steps as Now, Next, and Last if that phrasing fits your child better than First, Next, and Then.
- Laminate the board and mount it near the toilet with Velcro cards, so it survives a splashy bathroom and lets you swap the reward easily.
Frequently asked questions
- Why use a three-step board for the potty routine?
- Using the toilet involves more than one action, and hand-washing in particular is easy to skip. A three-step First-Next-Then board makes the full sequence visible so nothing gets missed. It also gives your child a clear sense of progress from start to reward.
- When should I move from a two-step to a three-step board?
- Add the third step once your child handles a two-step First-Then routine comfortably and the task genuinely has a middle part. Potty routines fit three steps naturally because of hand-washing. If three pictures feel overwhelming at first, start with two and build up.
- Does a First-Next-Then board replace a potty training program?
- No, it supports the visual and motivational side rather than replacing a full approach. It works alongside your schedule, reward system, and any professional guidance you are following. Think of it as one helpful piece of the overall routine.
- How does this board help reduce stress during transitions?
- Much of the anxiety around new routines comes from not knowing what happens next. Showing every step in order removes that uncertainty, so your child can move through the routine with less resistance. The predictable reward at the end also gives them a reason to cooperate.
- What age is this potty board best for?
- It generally suits toddlers and preschoolers during active potty training, and older children who are learning the routine on their own timeline. Autistic children often train later, so go by readiness rather than age. Real photos tend to work best for the youngest users.