Sequencing a Story

John gave a surprise party for Kenny. John had the party at his house. All of their friends came to the party. Kenny was very surprised when he opened the door. 
What happened first in the passage?

• All their friends came
• Kenny opened the door. 
• John gave a surprise party for Kenny. 
• Kenny was surprised. 

It was spring. Cathy decided to plant seeds in her garden. First, she planted the seeds. Then, she watered them everyday. Soon the seeds grew into beautiful flowers. 

What happened right before she watered the plants? 

• She decided to start a garden. 
• It was spring. 
• The seeds grew into flowers. 
• She planted seeds. 

To sequence means to ____________.

• put things in the order they happen

• list the important details of a story

• to figure out what is happening
• find the main idea and supporting details

Jason's alarm went off at 7:30. He jumped out of bed, got dressed, and brushed his teeth. Then he made his bed before going downstairs for breakfast. After eating a bowl of cereal and some toast, Jason grabbed his backpack and headed out the door to catch the bus.

What did Jason do before he brushed his teeth?

• Made his bed

• Ate a bowl of cereal

• Jumped out of bed

• Got dressed

Sequencing helps the reader.......

• find the problem and solution

• name the cause and effect

• organize the characters

• understand the order that things happen

What are some clue words for sequencing?

• as a result of, therefore

• first, next, then, finally

• main idea, details

• summarize, re-read

Which word refers to the ORDER of events in a story?

• sequence

• setting

• characters

• transition

It was spring. Cathy decided to plant seeds in her garden. First, she planted the seeds. Then, she watered them everyday. Soon the seeds grew into beautiful flowers.  What happened first? 

• She decided to start a garden. 
• It was spring. 
• The seeds grew into flowers. 
• She planted seeds. 

Jason's alarm went off at 7:30. He jumped out of bed, got dressed, and brushed his teeth. Then he made his bed before going downstairs for breakfast. After eating a bowl of cereal and some toast, Jason grabbed his backpack and headed out the door to catch the bus.

What did Jason do just after he brushed his teeth?

• Made his bed

• Ate a bowl of cereal

• Jumped out of bed

• Got dressed

What happened first in the sentence below?

Sam opened the classroom door, put his backpack up, and went to his seat.

• Sam went to the restroom.

• Sam opened the classroom door

• Sam put his backpack up.

• Sam went to his seat.