Supporting Communication with “Now and Next” Boards

Ali Pennington
Oct 15
3 min read

Updated: Oct 29

When someone finds it difficult to understand or process language, everyday routines and transitions can feel overwhelming or confusing. A simple but powerful tool to help with this is a “Now and Next” board.

What is a “Now and Next” Board?

A “Now and Next” board is a clear, visual way of showing what is happening now and what will happen next. It usually has two spaces side by side — one for the current activity and one for the upcoming activity. This can be done with pictures, symbols, words, or a combination, depending on the person’s communication needs.

For example:

Now: Snack
Next: Playtime

This might seem simple, but for someone who struggles with understanding language or managing change, this visual cue can make a world of difference.

An example of a Now and Next board from the Makaton Charity, it shoes the symbol for music on the left hand side and the symbol for play on the right hand side

Why “Now and Next” Boards Are Helpful

🧠 Reduces anxiety – Knowing what’s coming next helps people feel more secure and less anxious about transitions.
🗣️ Supports understanding – Visuals provide a clear and concrete way of understanding information, supporting people with communication difficulties or memory challenges.
🪜 Promotes independence – Over time, people can start to rely less on adult prompts and more on the board itself.
🌟 Builds routine and structure – Consistency helps create a sense of safety and predictability.
🧍 Works for all ages – Whether in early years, education, health, or adult care settings, these boards are effective across the lifespan.
*Now and Next board image copyright @themakatoncharity

When to Use a “Now and Next” Board

During daily routines like mealtimes, personal care, or transitions between activities.
To prepare someone for a change, appointment, or event.
In therapy, classrooms, or care settings to help with focus and engagement.
At home to support routines like getting ready, chores, or bedtime.

How to Use It Effectively

Keep it simple – Two clear visuals or words are enough.
Be consistent – Use the board regularly to build familiarity.
Pair it with speech and signs – Say (you can also use sign alongside)
what’s on the board as you show it.
Acknowledge completion – When the “now” activity is finished, celebrate or mark it before moving on.
Adapt to the person – Some people may benefit from photographs, others from symbols or written words.

Expanding Beyond “Now and Next”

Once someone gets used to using a “Now and Next” board, you can build on this with a full visual timetable, first/then boards, or more complex schedules to support greater independence and understanding.

A Simple Tool with a Big Impact

“Now and Next” boards may seem small, but they can play a huge role in supporting communication, reducing stress, and promoting independence. They help bridge the gap between spoken language and understanding — and they give people a sense of control over their day.

For further information about using Now and Next boards (some people prefer the language 'first' and 'then' please take a look at this handy PDF developed by How to use a 'now - next' board.docx Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust who I had the pleasure of delivering Level 1 training to, with a group of Speech & Language Therapists and assistants.

For further information about Makaton signs and symbols, please visit the Makaton Charity Website www.makaton.org

An adult and a child sitting at a table at home in a lounge area, the young child is pointing to a now and next board, the adult is smiling at the child whilst watching them using it.

References

Department of Education (DfE) 2015 SEND and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 years
Communication Trust (2017)
National Autistic Society
Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust

**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

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These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com