Sequencing

Sequencing is the process of putting events, ideas, and objects
in a logical order. Why is sequencing important?
Sequencing is necessary for:

• understanding and telling stories;

• performing daily activities;

• solving problems;

• reading comprehension;

• succeeding in school and at work. 

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 fun and free ways to practice sequencing at home...

My colleague, Michelle R., gave me the idea of using rulers or yardsticks as 'flannel boards'. Well, I got a bunch of paint sticks from Home Depot. One of the wonderful volunteers here at FPL, Marla, painted them. Using velcro dots, I made sequencing sticks. Largest to smallest, shape patterns, life cycle of frog, Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. You can do all sorts of patterns and sequences.


You can hold up a pattern and have your little one make the same pattern on their stick. You can ask them to put shapes on their stick from smallest to largest or you can discuss a story or nursery rhyme and have them put it in sequence.