Sequencing

A key reading strategy that students should have by grade 3 is the ability to order events in a story.

We started by sequencing specific lines that came in order in the book "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. This is a good book for the activity because the lines repeat themselves several times. So, Z had to pay attention to know when they appear for the first time and sequence them accordingly, as we read.

Next, we found a short story online that we read aloud to him and let him draw pictures for any six events of his choosing from the story. We introduced the time order words: First, then, next, after, later, at last. Z had to arrange his drawings in the correct order. After that, he narrated his entire story using the time order words.

Additionally, when were done watching our caterpillar become a butterfly, Z applied his understanding of time order words to illustrate that life cycle as well.

We will continue working on this skill. Usually, when I read to him, I ask him to tell me the beginning, middle and end of the story. Next, I want to work with him on matching cause and effect as we continue building on this sequencing skill.