• 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. Leo found a lost kitten. He took it home. Then he gave it some milk. What did Leo do first? (found a lost kitten / named the kitten / took it home / gave it some milk) → found a lost kittenPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
2. 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 / watered it / dug another hole / picked a flower) → put a seed in itPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
3. 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 fell over / it landed / it counted down / it flew to the moon) → it counted downPrompt: 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. I washed my hands. ___ that, I ate my lunch. (First / After / Finally / Before) → AfterPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?
2. Choose the time word that fits. We played all afternoon. ___, we went home for dinner. (Finally / First / Before that / To begin) → FinallyPrompt: 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. ___, get two slices of bread. Next, spread on the butter. (After that / Last / First / Finally) → FirstPrompt: 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. (After / First / Before / Finally) → AfterPrompt: 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.