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Sequencing organizer: first, next, then, last (free printable)

Numbered boxes joined by arrows, each with lines to write and a square to draw: first, next, then, last. Edit the words and the number of steps, then print.

Printed on the sheet. Leave it empty to write by hand.
Colour
First, Next, Then, Last, page 1First, Next, Then, LastNameDate1FirstDraw it2NextDraw it3ThenDraw it4LastDraw itFree at teach.peabody.kids

To save a PDF, choose Print, then “Save as PDF” as the printer. Only the sheet prints.

About this sheet

Putting events in order is the base of retelling, summarizing and explaining a process. This organizer gives each step a numbered box, a few lines for words and a dashed square for a quick sketch, so a student can show the order in pictures as well as in sentences, which suits young writers and children learning English. The arrows between the boxes point down the page. The labels are editable, from first, next, then and last to the steps of a science experiment or a recipe, and you can type as few as three or as many as six. Use it after a read-aloud, in a science lab or to plan a piece of writing.

Grades: K to 5. Best in: September, October, November, January.

How to use it

  1. Edit the labels if you like, typing three to six lines. The boxes resize to share the page.
  2. Read or do something together, then ask students to fill the boxes in order, drawing as well as writing.
  3. Ask students to retell it to a partner by pointing at each box in turn and using the labels as the first words of a sentence.

Five ideas for class

  1. Use it for a read-aloud: write the key event in each box, and then cut the boxes apart and ask a partner to put them back in order.
  2. Use it for a science procedure, such as how a plant grows, with the labels Step 1 to Step 5.
  3. Relabel it for a recipe or a how-to piece of writing, and have students teach the class how to make something.
  4. Give each group a different story and compare the boxes. The pictures make the order easy to see and to discuss.
  5. Challenge a fast finisher to add a sixth box that begins with Before or After and extends the story.

Related

Questions

Can I use words other than first, next, then, last?

Yes. Type any labels, such as Beginning, Middle and End, or Step 1, Step 2. The page draws one box for each line, up to six.

Is it too simple for older students?

The drawing is plain, but the task can be as hard as you make it. Ask older students to write a paragraph from their boxes using transition words.

What if a student cannot draw?

Leave the square blank or use it for a single keyword. The words are the work, and the drawing is a bonus.

How do I save it as a PDF?

Choose Print, then pick “Save as PDF” as the printer. Only the sheet prints: the page around it is hidden. You can also save a sheet as a PNG image under the preview.

Can I print it in black and white?

Yes. Switch to Black and white beside the sheet: fills turn white and lines turn black, so it saves ink and photocopies cleanly.

Is what I type saved or sent anywhere?

Your edits are kept in this browser so they are there next time, and are never sent to us. No sign-in, no ads.

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