Wellbeing & Inclusive Practice

First/Then and This or That charts

Supporting Students with Visuals at School and Home

For many children, especially those who benefit from extra support,  verbal instructions alone can be confusing, overwhelming, or easy to forget.

That’s where visual supports like First/Then and This or That charts come in. These simple tools help children understand routines, transitions, and choices in a clear, supportive way. They are used across our school to help students stay calm, feel successful, and learn to manage their day more independently.

A First/Then chart shows a student what needs to happen now, and what will happen next. It’s usually a two-step visual, using pictures, symbols, or words, to make expectations clear. This is helpful because it breaks down the day into manageable steps. Some students find it hard to move between activities or focus on a non-preferred task. Knowing what’s coming next, especially if it’s something they enjoy, can reduce anxiety and boost motivation.

In our classrooms, we use First/Then visuals to:

1. Support transitions (e.g. from recess back into learning time)
2. Help students complete work before getting a reward or break
3. Encourage independence by clearly outlining routines

A This or That chart gives students two clear, teacher-approved choices- often with pictures and simple words, to provide a sense of control within safe boundaries. While the options are set by the teacher, letting students choose helps them feel heard, reduces power struggles, and supports emotional or sensory regulation. This simple strategy empowers students and gently re-engages them in learning when they feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Why Visuals Work

Visual supports aren’t just “extras” - they are essential communication tools for many students. They can-

1. Reduce the need for verbal instructions, which can be missed or misunderstood
2. Help with memory and focus by providing a visual cue
3. Support emotional regulation by showing what comes next in a predictable way
4. Empower students to feel more in control of their environment

You might see these charts on student desks, on lanyards, or in folders. You don’t need anything fancy- hand drawn pictures or photos work perfectly. The key is consistency and keeping it simple.

Sarah Dorney 

Learning Adjustment Coach

Social and Emotional Teacher  

Emotional Literacy and Digital Safety

This Term, our SEL lessons are centred around emotional literacy—helping students recognise, understand, and express their own emotions while also learning to identify emotions in others. Through engaging activities and discussions, students are developing a greater self-awareness, building stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, and learning how to manage emotions in healthy and safe ways.

We have also focused on digital safety, an essential part of students' well-being in today’s connected world. Lessons include understanding how to protect personal information online, recognising and responding to cyberbullying, and practicing respectful digital communication. 

Students are learning to think critically about what they see and share online, helping them become responsible and caring when interacting in the digital world.

For further information about how to support your child/ren when using online platforms and devices, you can look at the eSafety Commissioner website linked below. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Jordan Zukan

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader