One of the basic ways for educators to help students put key components from a story in the correct sequence is to ask them to arrange cards depicting various events . Many textbook companies now provide cards with each story presented in the child's reading textbook. If these are not included, the teacher can draw or photocopy the events onto the backs of index cards. After reading a story about flowers, students should be given mixed-up cards with drawings or photographs and instructed to arrange the pictures sequentially. Educators should check for understanding and each child's ability to comprehend the material.
Students will also enjoy being given the task of creating their own sequencing cards. The educator should begin with a lesson on identifying major parts of the text and placing them in logical order. After reading a story about flowers, students should take turns using the digital camera to create pictures or using art materials to draw the events that they think should be depicted on the cards. Finally, students should share the information with the class while the instructor spends time discussing the benefits of using sequencing strategies.
Motivate students to search for major parts of the text with the use of a paper chain. Students should be given colorful strips of paper and instructed to write down important events from the story about flowers onto each one. When students are sure that they have key events written down, they can attach the strips together to form a paper chain. Students must be sure to face the writing outwards so that other students can admire the work they have done. This activity works well as students will strive to look for more events to form a longer chain.
After reading and discussing a story about flowers, the educator should explain to students that they will be acting out the events from the text. The class should be divided into groups of four or five students. Then each student should receive some type of costume or prop to go with the event that they will be depicting. The groups should decide on the order that each person will appear and what will be said. Students love the ability to be creative and act out the play in the correct sequence of the way the events occurred in the text.