Learning how to sequence is an important skill in teaching kids how to read. As kids build sequencing skills, they're better able to put together the pieces of a story, retell a story, and even create their own stories. One way to do this is through fun online sequencing games and activities.
Online Sequencing Games
Use these links to help kids develop this important skill:
Monkey Business: Rainforest Run-Around
Ordering Lists and Instructions
Note: Many of these games require Flash.
For printable activities, consider these from Elementary Librarian:
Story Sequencing Cut and Paste or Story Sequencing Drag and Drop Google Slides
Nonfiction Sequencing Cut and Paste
How to Teach Sequencing to Kids
You can start teaching sequencing by using two-step events kids typically complete on their own. For example, first you put on your shoes. Then you tie your shoes. What happens if you tie your shoes before you put them on? It is hard to get your feet in them!
The order in which we complete steps is important.
Have kids explain what happens first and what happens last in two-step events or sequences. Then gradually introduce a third option and ask kids to put the events in order, describing them as what happened first, next, and last. You can add pictures of the different steps to provide visual clues to aid in the sequencing process.
Once kids understand the concept of first, next, and last, you can begin to apply the idea to stories. For example, read a short picture book with kids and ask, "What happened first?" followed by "What happened last?" From there, kids can gradually move in to telling you what happened in the story in the order that it happened.
