Use everyday, common activities that the studentsto show the importance of having information flow. For instance, write on the board, in random order, all of the steps for brushing their teeth. Write "Put toothpaste on brush," "Turn on the faucet," "Put toothbrush and toothpaste away," "Brush teeth," and "Rinse." Ask the kids to tell you the correct order for the steps and write the number next to the sentence. Explain that to accomplish the goal, each step has to be followed sequentially.
Assign the fourth-grade class an age-appropriate book to read such as "Beezus and Ramona" or "Jumanji." Give them two weeks to finish reading the book away from school. Assign a two-page book report where they will be graded on how well they comprehend the terms of events and their consequences in the story. After grading and returning their reports, have a class discussion where each child can voice their opinion and thoughts on pivotal moments in the book.
Use a short story that's appropriate for a fourth-grade level. Choose one child to read the beginning section aloud, a second child reads the middle and a third child reads the last section. When completed, pass out compiled questions about what they've just read in class that ask what happened just before and after events. For instance, if a dog jumped on a table, knocked over a cake and then ran out the door after getting scolded, a question that can be used may be "Why did the dog get scolded? What happened just before it happened?"
Help children understand the importance of the sequencing of events in literature by having them write a story. Use a section for them to write a setting, the characters and the conflict -- what gives the story a beginning, middle and end. Have students write a conclusion for the story. Ask the children to read their work aloud in front of the class. When each child's done, ask their peers to point out the beginning, middle and climax of the story. If a kid creates a story that isn't clear, you and the class can help them realize any errors and help them understand sequencing in literature.