Story sequencing refers to identifying what happened in the beginning, middle and end of a story. Story sequencing is an important part of reading comprehension, as well as rational thinking and understanding of different subject matter material. The earlier students are exposed to activities that promote story sequencing, the greater their grasp of the skill will be. If you are a kindergarten teacher, present your student with different story sequencing activities.
Draw the Events
On a piece of paper, draw three even-sized squares. Meet with students one by one. Have each student select a book to read with you. After reading the story, ask the student to identify what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Discuss whether he is correct or incorrect. If he is incorrect, revisit the book to determine the correct sequence of events. Have him draw a picture in each box to represent the different events.
Order the Pictures
Have students arrange the images from a story in the order that they happened in. Photocopy different images of the main events in a picture book. Cut out the images and scramble their order. Split students into pairs and have them work together to sort through the pictures and place them in the correct sequence. Discuss the correct sequence of events after all students have ordered their pictures to ensure that everyone is on track.
Story Chain
Create a paper chain that sequences the events that happened in a story. Cut pieces of construction paper into rectangles. On each rectangle, have students draw a picture that illustrates the main events in the story. Help them to write a caption under each picture. When they've finished drawing their pictures, help them create a paper chain. Bend the first piece of paper so that the ends of the rectangle touch -- staple the ends together. Do the same with each subsequent piece of paper, looping the next one through the previous loop, creating a chain.
Act It Out
Have students act out the parts of a story. Split students into groups of three or four. Read a short story with each group. After reading the story, discuss with them the most important events and when each event occurred. Assign each student a role from the book -- for instance, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf -- and supply them with a line that summarizes the most important events. Have each group act out the events in the correct order that they happened in the book for the class.
