Order of Events

Explain Write the following on the board: My friend Tyler takes his dog for a walk every morning. First, he puts on her leash. Next, they walk to the corner and carefully cross the street. Last, they return home, and Tyler gives his dog a biscuit. Read the text with students. Circle the words first, next, and last and tell students these are words the writer uses to signal the sequence or chronological order of events.

Guided Practice Ask students to retell the order of events on the board. (Tyler puts on his dog’s leash. They go for a walk, return home, and the dog gets a biscuit.) 

Practice Write this paragraph on the board. Have students circle the sequence words that give clues to the chronological order. I help set the dinner table. First, I set out the plates. Second, I place napkins near the plates. Then I place forks and knives on the table. Finally, I put a glass near each plate. (first, second, then, finally)