Sequencing exercises can be an important tool for educators to test a student's reading comprehension and to teach students to organize information. Teachers prompt students to place the events of a story in order using terms such as "then," "next," and "finally." Practicing sequencing trains students to listen to a story with time frames in mind, creating the ability to retell a story logically. This skill will aid a student throughout his education. To sequence a story, you can copy pictures from a book and have students reorganize the copies in order of the story.
The ability to retell a story in order could transfer to writing an original story in order. Once a student can tell a story in its entirety, she can be asked to write a story using an introduction, a plot and a conclusion. You can use sequencing to build writing skills by giving the student a worksheet with prompts such as character, setting, conflict and conclusion. Once the sheet is completed, a student can write a summary of the story.
Placing numbers in sequential order is necessary to show that numbers create patterns and have value. This method of sequencing will aid students in understanding order around them. To use sequencing in math, use number flash cards or index cards with numbers written on them, choose five to six cards (not consecutive numbers) and have students order the numbers the way they appear on a number line.
Sequencing is an important practice that can be done everyday at home. Once your student has practiced sequencing you can ask him to organize all sorts of events that require him to place them in sequential order. Parents asking students "What did you do at school today?" or "How should we clean out the garage?" are easy ways to demonstrate sequencing at home.