• 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. 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 fell over / it counted down) → it counted downPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
2. Leo found a lost kitten. He took it home. Then he gave it some milk. What did Leo do first? (took it home / gave it some milk / found a lost kitten / named the kitten) → found a lost kittenPrompt: Look for the words first, next, then and last.
3. 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 washed our hands / we mixed the paint / we hung it up to dry) → we hung it up to dryPrompt: 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. We played all afternoon. ___, we went home for dinner. (To begin / Before that / First / Finally) → FinallyPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?
2. Choose the time word that fits. First we warmed up. Then we ran the race. ___ we got our medals. (Before / Next week / Finally / First) → 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. Plant the seed. Water it every day. ___, a sunflower will grow! (In the end / Before / First / To start) → In the endPrompt: Is this step at the start, in the middle or at the end?
2. Choose the time word that fits. Mix the flour and eggs. ___, pour it into the tin. (Once / Before / Then / First) → ThenPrompt: 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.