Jamir packed his backpack for a field trip to the city museum. First, he zipped his notebook in and put on his hat. Next, he met his classmates at the school bus. After that, they rode together and looked at dinosaur bones and paintings. Finally, Jamir drew a picture of his favorite dinosaur to show his family when he got home.

met his classmates at the school bus

Ana found a stray kitten outside the apartment building. First, she gave it a small bowl of water and some milk. Next, she wrapped the kitten in a soft towel and checked for a collar. After that, Ana asked her neighbor if the kitten belonged to anyone. Finally, she made a cozy box with blankets where the kitten could sleep for the night.

wrapped the kitten in a soft towel

put the kitten in a box and left

wrapped the kitten in a soft towel

Omar and his sister planted seeds in their community garden on Sunday. First, they dug small holes in the soil with tiny shovels. Next, they placed seeds into each hole and covered them gently. After that, they watered the rows with a small can until the soil felt damp. Finally, they wrote the seed names on sticks so they would remember what they planted.

placed seeds into each hole and covered them

Grace and her friends practiced a short play for class after school. First, they learned their lines and practiced moving across the stage. Next, they created simple costumes from paper and cloth. After that, they held a dress rehearsal for their teacher and classmates. Finally, the class clapped loudly when the play finished and Grace felt proud of her team.

created simple costumes from paper and cloth

Leo helped his neighbor deliver newspapers before breakfast. First, he folded each paper and put it into a bag. Next, he rode his bike down the quiet street and left a paper at every door. After that, Leo waved to Ms. Alvarez who watered her flowers on the porch. Finally, he returned home to eat toast and tell his family about the morning.

rode his bike down the quiet street

Maya and her parents went to the farmer’s market on Saturday morning. First, Maya held a small shopping list with pictures. Next, she helped pick ripe tomatoes and a bunch of carrots from the stall. After that, she tasted a sample of sweet melon and smiled. Finally, they carried a bag of fresh produce home and put it into the fridge together.

helped pick ripe tomatoes and a bunch of carrots

went straight to the playground

First Grade ELA Study and Practice

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Understanding Sequences in Stories

Stories happen in a certain order. This order is called a sequence. The sequence tells us what happens first, next, and last. Knowing the sequence helps us understand the story better.

Examples:

First, the boy wakes up. Next, he eats breakfast. Last, he goes to school.
First, the girl plants a seed. Next, she waters it. Last, the flower grows.

Helpful Hint

Look for words like first, next, then, and last to help you follow the sequence.

Clues That Show Sequence

Authors give clues to help us know the order of events. These clues can be words, pictures, or even numbers that show what comes first and what comes after.

Examples:

In a recipe, numbers show the order: Step 1, Step 2, Step 3.
In a story, pictures might show the sun rising, then children playing, then the moon coming out.
In directions, the words “after that” or “finally” show sequence.

Helpful Hint

Pay attention to time words and pictures. They are clues that show the order of events.

Why Sequences Matter

When we follow the sequence, we can retell the story in the right order. This helps us understand what happens and why. It also helps us remember important details.

Examples:

If we know the steps in a story, we can explain it to someone else.
If we mix up the sequence, the story might not make sense.
Understanding sequence helps us see how characters solve problems.

Helpful Hint

When retelling a story, always start at the beginning and go in order to the end.

Practice with Sequences

We can practice sequences by reading stories, acting them out, or drawing what happens in order.

Practice Ideas:

Draw three pictures to show the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
Use cards with story events and put them in the correct order.
Act out a story, step by step, with a partner.
Tell a story using words like “first,” “next,” and “last.”

Helpful Hint

Practice makes it easier to remember the order of events. The more you practice, the better you get at retelling stories clearly.

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U.1 Study and practice reading sequences

Understanding Sequences in Stories

Clues That Show Sequence

Why Sequences Matter

Practice with Sequences