Sequence of Events in a Story

Graham went shopping after going to the bank.  Then, he went to Taco Bell.  
Which came last?

• Graham ate Taco Bell.

• Graham bought Taco Bell.

• Graham went shopping.

• Graham went to the bank.

What are some clue words for sequencing?

• as a result of, therefore

• first, next, then, finally

• main idea, details

• summarize, re-read

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. 

Jerry went fishing with his father. They left early in the morning. When they got to the lake, Jerry put a worm on his fishing hook. He threw the hook into the water. Jerry was so excited that he caught the biggest fish. 
What happened right after they got to the lake?

• Jerry put a worm on his hook. 

• Jerry and his father went fishing. 

• Jerry threw the hook into the water. 

• Jerry caught the biggest fish. 

What is the sequence of events at the beginning of this story?

• The story begins after the disease has struck and then takes the reader back in time to a point before the disease.

• The story begins before the disease has struck and then takes the reader forward in time to a point after the disease has ended.

• The story begins as the disease is striking and then takes the reader back in time to a point before the disease.

• The story begins as the disease is striking and then takes the reader two years into the future.

At the beginning of the story, Jake and Andy go on a hike in the woods. In the middle of the story, Jake falls and breaks his leg so Andy must go find help. At the end of the story, an emergency team carries Jake out of the woods on a stretcher and to the ambulance that takes him to the hospital.

What is the last thing that happens in the story?

• Andy must go find help.

• Jake and Andy go hiking.

• Jake falls and breaks his leg.

• An ambulance takes Jake to the hospital.

What is the last thing that happens in the story?

• Andy must go find help.

• Jake and Andy go hiking.

• Jake falls and breaks his leg.

• An ambulance takes Jake to the hospital.

What happened right after Blue Flame showed up?

• The citizens had a parade for Blue Flame.

• Blue Flame defeated Metal Man.

• Metal Man attacked the city.

Mom had a great idea! She decided that we would make a cake for the party on Saturday. First, she went shopping for all of the ingredients. When she got home, she put all of the ingredients on the counter.  Then, she poured the cake mix, eggs, and water in the bowl. After mixing, she poured the mixture in the greased pan. It baked for 20 minutes in the oven. Finally, it was ready to be eaten. Yum! What did mom do after she went shopping?

• ate the cake

• put the ingredients on the counter

• mixed the ingredients

• baked the cake

What are some of the signal words used to show that the sequence of events or steps structure is being used?

• Both, similarly, likewise

• during, while, although, similarly

• finally, therefore, consequently

• before, then, finally, exactly, likewise