Sequencing

Sequencing is the process of putting events, ideas, and objects in a logical order.

Why is sequencing important? We sequence all day long—we divide our time into what we need to do first, second, and last; we understand events in our lives by understanding the order in which they occur. For some children, sequencing can be a hard concept to grasp, especially when they are trying to tell a story. Using good key words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally,” cue your child as to what is coming next.

Some words and phrases we model for children when sequencing include:

• At first, at the beginning, to begin with
• Second, third, later, then, next, after that, later on
• Finally, in the end, lastly
  

Visuals

Visuals can be used to provide more input to your child and to help him/her to understand that when we sequence events, one action happens before another. Sequencing boards, such as the one below, and pictures of the steps of a task can be helpful visuals to help your child understand and use sequencing concepts.

‍Picture Sequencing- Cut several sequential pictures from magazines, picture books, comic books, or the comics section of the newspaper. Make sure the pictures have an obvious order then scramble the pictures. Younger children should begin with two pictures representing beginning/end or first/last, and then progress to three panels, then four, etc. When the child thinks he/she has the correct order, have him/her tell a story in order using the pictures. If the pictures are not in a correct order, have the child tell why that does not make sense and have him/her attempt to rearrange the sequence. Use pictures of events in nature like a volcanic eruption, seeds to flowers, or the changing of the seasons to enhance the child’s learning.  Click the links for printable sequencing pictures.

Photo Sequencing- Use old family photos of the child from infancy to the present. Scramble the photos. Have the child arrange the photos by paying attention to his/her size in the photo. Emphasize the use of basic concepts vocabulary terms like “younger,” “older,” “shorter,” “taller,” etc. Have the child tell about him/herself in each of the photos. For example, “This is when I was born. Next, I learned to crawl. Then, I learned to walk when I was older. Now, I know how to ride a bike.”

Daily Routines

You can highlight sequencing concepts throughout your day, by emphasizing the steps in your daily routines. Talk through the steps with your child as you complete these simple routines. Use consistent language to begin with to help your child learn. After a while, you can leave off a step, and see if your child can fill in the blank! Or alternatively, surprise your child by mixing up the steps. See if they notice the mix-up and correct you!
As your child learns more about sequencing, have him/her describe the steps in his/her own daily routines to you! Encourage your child to use phrases, such as "first ___", "next ____", "then ______", "last _____".

Daily routines may include:

• Brushing teeth
• Getting dressed
• Getting ready to go outside
• Getting ready for bed
• Washing hands
• Having a bath
• Making a bowl of cereal, a sandwich, cookies, etc.
• Have him/her be the navigator which driving or out for a walk.  He/she can tell you where to turn, how far to go and when to stop.
• Doing the Laundry
• Playing a game