We put stuff in order all the time. Chronological order, numerical order, alphabetical order. We use order of steps for driving directions, recipes, processes and routines. Sometimes performing a task using the correct order of steps is crucial to success. Sequencing aids us in carrying out tasks, but also in organization of information.
Understanding the order and sequence of events helps for process, helps for understanding cause and effect, story structure, identifying patterns, and also learning the development of events that lead up to other events. We need to be able to retell stories and extract the main ideas into a summary.
Timelines for historical events are extremely helpful and shows a variety of factors: causal events, effects of major events, progression or evolution of a topic. You can read more about timelines in our Timeline layout article or in the helpful hints about Storyboard That as a Timeline Maker. Timelines are usually used for history or biographies, but don’t let that common use limit your creativity!
A large part of English Language Arts is understanding the plot arc of a story. Sometimes students get bogged down with subplots or details and have a hard time writing a concise summary or can't process all the information.
The order of events is crucial for planning a story. Make a storyboard to plan out a larger narrative, or create your own short story in the style of a comic. You can create visual stories for all kinds of things:
If you're looking for another step or an alternative assignment, you can create a variety of different worksheets, including BME worksheets or plot diagram worksheets to use in your class! These worksheets can be customized and printed out for students to fill out with a pencil, or they can be completed in the Storyboard Creator like a digital worksheet. You can even create multiple versions for those students who might need a little extra help, and keep them on hand for future use! Find plenty of templates to work from or just start with a blank canvas.
Check out these sequencing activities from our guides on The One-Eyed Giant, Mr. Popper's Penguins, and Zlateh the Goat.
Combining sequencing, summarizing, and storytelling activities enhances students' comprehension skills in several ways. Firstly, sequencing activities help students to identify the order of events and better understand the plot of a story. Summarizing activities require students to distill complex information into a concise summary, helping them to identify the main ideas and important details. Storytelling activities provide an opportunity for students to express their understanding of a text in their own words, promoting deeper engagement and comprehension.
Teachers can use these activities to challenge students to analyze information, make inferences, and draw conclusions. For example, students can sequence events from a story and then discuss the cause-and-effect relationships between them.
Yes, teachers can adapt these activities for different learning styles by providing visual aids, graphic organizers, and opportunities for collaborative work. For example, students who prefer visual learning can benefit from using a storyboard to sequence events, while students who prefer auditory learning can benefit from discussing the story with their peers.