Putting Events in Sequence

Writers have different ways of organizing their writing.

One way writers organize their writing is by putting the events they are describing in sequence.

What is sequence? Sequence is putting events in the correct order.

When we put events in the correct sequence, we use clue words or time order words. These words help us determine the sequence of events. Some of the clue words we use for putting words in order are:

First
Next
Then
After that
Finally.

We also use time order words when we sequence events, such as:

Before
After
Later
Meanwhile.

We use sequencing when we are writing, especially when we are explaining the steps for how to do something.

We practiced using sequence by writing down the steps for how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Everyone knows how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, correct?

After we wrote the steps down we found a partner and had our partner make the sandwich according to the steps we wrote. The rule was that the person making the sandwich had to follow the steps EXACTLY as they were written.

Some of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches turned out great!

Some didn't turn out the way we expected.

That's okay. It just goes to show that it's very important to make sure we sequence events in the proper order!

We also use sequencing when we read. We worked together to find the sequence in some informational articles. We used the app Popplet to organize our thinking as we read the articles and put the events in order.  

Jack and Claire read an article about the actor Christopher Reeve and put the information about his life into a Popplet.



Sara Jean and Bradyn read an article about the Chicago Fire and sequenced the events in order.


Jaelyn and Ruby read an article about the events after the Chicago fire, and put those in order on their Popplet.


Jocelyn and Kaiya read an article about how to make Eskimo Cookies. They did a great job of sequencing the events in order for how to make the cookies! You may have to zoom in to see this one!


Deven and Kiersten read a nonfiction article about how the Special Olympics was started and continued. They put those events in the correct sequence on their Popplet.



Finally, Lexi and Kaydance read an article about how to make a craft using rocks. Here is their Popplet putting the items in the proper sequence.


There are lots of things that go in a certain order, or sequence. For example, recipes need to go in sequence. Historical events, such as the sinking of the Titanic, go in a certain sequence as well. When authors write about things that go in order, or in sequence, they quite often use time order words to help the reader follow along. Can you think of some other things, or events, that would go in sequence? Share your ideas in the comment section below.