• 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. First, we mixed the paint. Next, we painted a rainbow. Last, we hung it up to dry. What happened LAST? (we painted a rainbow / we mixed the paint / we hung it up to dry / we washed our hands) → we hung it up to dryPrompt: 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 counted down / it fell over / it flew to the moon / it landed) → it counted downPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
3. First, the hen sat on her eggs. Next, the eggs began to crack. Last, out came three chicks. What happened FIRST? (the hen sat on her eggs / out came three chicks / the chicks ran away / the eggs cracked) → the hen sat on her eggsPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Mix the flour and eggs. ___, pour it into the tin. (Then / First / Before / Once) → ThenPrompt: 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?

• 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.

• 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. We played all afternoon. ___, we went home for dinner. (Finally / To begin / Before that / First) → FinallyPrompt: 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! (In the end / To start / Before / First) → In the endPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?

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