Story sequencing helps young readers understand the order of events in a story. It means figuring out what happened first, next, and last. Children use clues from the text and pictures to put events in the correct order, which builds comprehension and memory skills.
Understanding what happens first, middle, and last helps children make sense of stories. It also helps them retell what they read and improve their thinking and writing skills.
Children learn story order by listening to read-alouds, looking at pictures, and practicing retelling. With repeated support, they begin to notice how events are connected from beginning to end.
Cut out pictures from a simple story and mix them up. Have your child put them in the correct order.
Talk about your child’s daily schedule using sequence words: first, next, last.
Use a shoebox with three items from a story. Ask your child to explain what happened in order using the items as clues.
After reading a short book, ask: “What did the character do first? What happened next? What happened last?”
Have your child act out the story in steps. Talk about what happens at the beginning, middle, and end.
Young children may mix up the order of events or focus on just one part. Visuals and repetition help them improve.
Sequencing helps children follow stories, understand structure, and become better readers and storytellers. With books, conversations, and simple routines, your child will grow into a thoughtful and confident reader.