Better Communication Together CIC

How “Now and Next” Helps with the Back-to-School Transition

As both a parent of a Makaton user and a Makaton tutor, I see “Now and Next” from two sides. At home, it’s a tool that helps our mornings run more smoothly and keeps my child calm. 

In my professional role, I see how powerful it can be for many children, young people, and adults who benefit from extra communication support.

“Now and Next” boards are particularly helpful at this time of year because they:

Explain what will be happening next – giving a clear visual of what’s coming helps reduce uncertainty, especially when language alone isn’t enough.

Support understanding – the visual information reinforces what has been said, so even if a person doesn’t fully process spoken words, they can still follow the routine.

Act as a reminder – not just for theperson, but for us as parents and carers too. Having the board prompts us to keep repeating what’s going to happen, which gently prepares the person for a change or transition.

This visual structure is key when a person has language difficulties, struggles with transitions, or simply feels anxious about what’s coming next

What “Now and Next” Means for Us

The idea is simple:

• Now shows what is happening right this minute.
• Next shows what is coming immediately afterwards.

This two-step structure reduces uncertainty, supports transitions, and makes routines predictable.

At home, for example:

• Now: Get dressed
• Next: Eat breakfast

That clear sequence works far better for my child than vague instructions like “get ready.”

Why We Use “Next” Instead of “Then”

When I first heard about “Now and Next,” I wondered why people didn’t just use “First and Then.” After all, it often feels more natural when we’re speaking. 

But both in my own home and through my work, I’ve learned why “Now and Next” is usually the better choice:

Now vs. First – Now is immediate and easy to understand — it simply means what’s happening right this second. First can be trickier, because it implies a sequence: to understand first, you also need to understand that something else will follow later. That’s a more complex concept and takes more processing.

Next vs. Then – Next is concrete — it means the very next thing. Then is more abstract — it might mean later, or even refer to the past (“back then”).

For many learners, Now and Next is easier to grasp because it makes both the present and the immediate future crystal clear. Then can come later, once someone is developmentally ready to manage longer sequences.

Growing Into “Then”

Once someone is secure with Now and Next, you can start to expand:

• Now: Reading
• Next: Playtime
• Then: Lunch

That extra step can help build a broader understanding of time, but only when the person is ready. At home, I’ve found the same applies — slow and steady is best.

Sometimes Just “Now” is Enough

Not everyone needs “Next.” Some children and adults live very much in the present and benefit most from just knowing what is happening now. I’ve seen this with my own child at times, and with learners in my sessions. And that’s perfectly valid.

How Should I Use a Now & Next Board?

A “Now and Next” board works best when it’s simple, consistent, and visual. Here’s how to use one effectively:

Setting it up

• Keep visuals simple and familiar – use images, symbols, or photos the person already recognises

• Place two symbols on the board: one for what the person is currently doing (Now) and one for what will happen immediately afterwards (Next).

• Motivate through sequencing – after a less-preferred activity, use the Next column to show something positive and engaging.

Introduce the Activity

• Tell the child: “Now it’s ____, next it will be ____,” while pointing to the symbols. Keep the board in clear view at their eye level so they can check it whenever they need to.

Follow Through

• Be consistent and keep it reliable – if the board shows “music is next,” ensure that’s the next activity. Consistency helps the person feel confident and reassured.

  Transition to the Next Activity

• When an activity ends, say: “____ has finished.” Encourage the person to take that symbol off the Now column.
• Prepare for change – update the board as soon as you know a transition is coming, so the person has time to adjust.
• Move the symbol from the Next column into the Now space, then add a new activity into Next. Repeat together: “Now it’s ____, next it will be ____.”
• Gradually increase independence – as the person becomes more confident, let them move the symbols themselves or help set up the board. This gives them ownership, builds independence, and helps them feel more in control of their day.

The Resources That Helped Us

As a Makaton premium member, I’ve found the free resources invaluable:

• The Now and Next template (free to download)
• The Back to School Now and Next resource (also free)

These are simple, practical tools that help smooth the transition back to school.

For even more flexibility, there’s the Now and Next template with over 40 symbols and their corresponding signs for common everyday activities, available from the Makaton shop for just £3.70. I recommend this a lot in my tutor role, and we use it at home too. Find it at Makaton.org 

But I also know that not everyone has access to membership or can afford to buy extra resources. If that’s the case, there are still lots of ways to make your own:

• Draw simple Now and Next symbols –  basic sketches work perfectly. You don’t need to be an artist; it’s about communication, not perfection.

• Use photos – take pictures of your child’s own belongings or familiar places (for example, their coat, toothbrush, or the school gate).

• Use magazine cut-outs or printed images – anything clear and recognisable will work.

• Involve your child – let them help choose or draw the pictures, which can make them more engaged with the process.

The most important thing is that the visuals are meaningful to the person using them. Whether that’s shop-bought symbols, hand-drawn pictures, or family photos, what matters is that they help communicate clearly what is Now and what is Next.

Final Thoughts
“Now and Next” has been a game-changer for me, both as a parent and as a tutor. It takes something that can feel overwhelming — transitions and routines — and breaks it down into small, manageable steps. Whether someone needs just Now, Now and Next, or is ready to expand to Now, Next, and Then, the approach adapts to them. As the new school term begins, this simple tool can make daily life calmer, clearer, and more predictable — for children and for families too.