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Setting Routines at Home to Support School Success

FIRST, THEN, NEXT

Clear and consistent routines at home can help children feel confident, organised and ready to learn at school. Everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing a school bag, completing homework and preparing for bedtime provide valuable opportunities for children to practise independence.

At school, we are teaching students to follow routines using “First, Then, Next.” Through small-group sessions, students are explicitly taught to understand what they need to do, complete tasks in sequence and know what is coming next. Families can support this learning at home by using the same language.

For example: “First, pack your school bag. Then, put your shoes on. Next, choose something to do before we leave.”

Practical ways to use First, Then, Next at home

• Keep routines consistent: Try to follow everyday routines in the same order.
• Use clear, simple instructions: “First, get dressed. Then, eat breakfast. Next, pack your bag.”
• Use visual prompts: A simple picture or written checklist can help children remember what to do.
• Break tasks into smaller steps: If a task feels overwhelming, focus on one step at a time.
• Allow thinking time: Give your child a few seconds to process an instruction before repeating it.
• Praise independence: Notice and celebrate when your child completes a task without a reminder.
• Use “First, Then” for motivation: “First, pack your bag, then you can play.”

• Practise when everyone is calm: Teaching routines ahead of time helps children use them more successfully when they are busy or stressed.

   

Using “First, Then, Next” consistently at home and school helps children develop independence, confidence and positive routines for learning.