Pocket First Then Strips
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Pocket First Then Strips" is written for Preschool to 2nd Grade (Ages 4-8). Children a grade either side can use it too: younger ones with an adult reading it aloud, older ones as a quick refresher.


Pocket First Then strips for Pre-K to 2nd grade: 4 small strips per page to cut out and punch, for using a First Then on the go. 1 printable page. Part of our first then boards visual schedules collection.
How do I use this resource?
Cut out the strips, laminate them and punch the holes, then add two cards and clip a strip to a lanyard, belt loop or binder ring. Take it on outings, to specials or between rooms, where a full board is too big to carry.
What students will practice
- Shows young children and students with special needs what is happening now and what comes next, with pictures and words.
- Makes transitions and changes easier by showing them ahead of time.
- Builds independence: children follow the schedule themselves instead of waiting for spoken reminders.
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FAQ
How do I use the Pocket First Then Strips?
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Cut out the strips, laminate them and punch the holes, then add two cards and clip a strip to a lanyard, belt loop or binder ring. Take it on outings, to specials or between rooms, where a full board is too big to carry.
What is the Pocket First Then Strips?
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One page of 4 pocket First Then strips with dashed cut lines. Each strip has a First slot, a Then slot and a hole-punch mark, and fits the 2 inch cards from all the visual schedule card sets.
Can I use the Pocket First Then Strips at home and in the classroom?
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Yes. We made it for Preschool to 2nd Grade visual schedules, and it works the same at home or at school. Families print it for one child and keep it where they will use it every day. Teachers print a copy per student or one for the whole room, whichever the day needs.
What is a visual schedule?
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A visual schedule shows the parts of a day or task as pictures with words, in order. Children can see what is happening now and what comes next, which makes routines and transitions easier, especially for young children and students with autism or other special needs.
What is included in these visual schedules?
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Twenty-five resources: picture card decks for the school day, home, special events, therapy and support, and community outings, First Then and Now and Next boards, five routine strips, transition, all done, break, countdown and change cards, and daily, weekly and choice boards.
Do the cards fit the boards?
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Yes. The cards are 2 inches and fit the card slots on the boards and strips in the set. The weekly board uses mini cards: print a card page at 65 percent, or two pages per sheet.
Are the pictures the same across the set?
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Yes. One consistent symbol set is used throughout, so the same activity has the same picture on every card, board and strip. Each card has a border color by category, such as school work, self-care or play, with a key on the page.
How do I make the schedules last?
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Cut out the cards and boards, laminate them, and add hook-and-loop dots to the boards and to the back of each card. Store spare cards in envelopes by category.
Which grades are these for?
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They are made for Pre-K to 2nd grade and special education classrooms, and they work at home as well as at school.
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Resource Details
| Grade | Preschool to 2nd Grade |
| Subject | Resources |
| Topic | Visual Schedules |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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