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English lesson plan · 1st grade (Year 2 in England) · 30 minutes

Time order words: first, next, then, finally

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.1.3CCSS W.1.2England: Y1 Writing (sequencing sentences)England: Y2 Writing

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Time order words: first, next, then, finally.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Retell a story: first, next, last; Putting sentences in order

Leads to: Give reasons with because, also and so

Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Retell a story: first, next, last; Putting sentences in order). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Sara dug a hole. Then she put a seed in it. Then she watered it. What did Sara do after she dug a hole? (put a seed in it / dug another hole / picked a flower / watered it) → put a seed in itPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
  2. The rocket counted down: three, two, one. It blasted off. Then it flew up to the moon. What happened just before the rocket blasted off? (it landed / it flew to the moon / it counted down / it fell over) → it counted downPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
  3. Leo found a lost kitten. He took it home. Then he gave it some milk. What did Leo do first? (found a lost kitten / gave it some milk / named the kitten / took it home) → found a lost kittenPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.

Hook · 3 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Time order words: first, next, then, finally. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Choose the time word that fits. ___, get two slices of bread. Next, spread on the butter.
  • Step 1: Time words help the reader follow the order of events or steps.
  • Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "First, get two slices of bread. Next, spread on the butter."
  • Step 3: So the answer is: First
  • Answer: First
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Choose the time word that fits. Plant the seed. Water it every day. ___, a sunflower will grow! (Before / To start / In the end / First) → In the endPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?
  2. Choose the time word that fits. I washed my hands. ___ that, I ate my lunch. (Finally / First / Before / After) → AfterPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Choose the time word that fits. ___ the film ended, we clapped. (Before / When / Next / First) → WhenPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?
  2. Choose the time word that fits. Plant the seed. Water it every day. ___, a sunflower will grow! (To start / Before / First / In the end) → In the endPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?

Watch out for

  • Writing everything at once without planning.
  • Editing only spelling and not whether the writing makes sense.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Retell a story: first, next, last.
  • Use concrete materials: a model text.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Give reasons with because, also and so.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-1.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Time order words: first, next, then, finally

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Choose the time word that fits. First we warmed up. Then we ran the race. ___ we got our medals.

    • A. First
    • B. Finally
    • C. Before
    • D. Next week

  2. Question 2

    Choose the time word that fits. ___ the film ended, we clapped.

    • A. First
    • B. When
    • C. Before
    • D. Next

  3. Question 3

    Choose the time word that fits. ___, put on your socks. Then put on your shoes.

    • A. Last
    • B. First
    • C. Finally
    • D. After that

  4. Question 4

    Choose the time word that fits. I washed my hands. ___ that, I ate my lunch.

    • A. After
    • B. Finally
    • C. First
    • D. Before

  5. Question 5

    Choose the time word that fits. ___ you cross the road, look both ways.

    • A. Then
    • B. Finally
    • C. Before
    • D. After

  6. Question 6

    Choose the time word that fits. First, fill the watering can. ___, water the plants.

    • A. First
    • B. Once upon a time
    • C. Before
    • D. Next

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Answer key: Time order words: first, next, then, finally

  1. 1. B. Finally

  2. 2. B. When

  3. 3. B. First

  4. 4. A. After

  5. 5. C. Before

  6. 6. D. Next