Curriculum

• Paper
• Crayons or markers
• Three large objects such as a toy animal, block, and ball

1. Step 1. Choose one object and describe the beginning. Have your child say, “First …” and optionally draw the first scene.
2. Step 2. Ask what happened next. Have your child use “then” for the middle event.
3. Step 3. Ask how the event ended or how the character felt. Have your child use “next” for the ending or reaction.
4. Step 4. Have your child point to any drawings and narrate all three parts aloud using first, then, and next.
5. Quick check. Success means the child orally narrates one event with a beginning, middle, and ending or reaction using first, then, and next.

Worked example. First, the block sat on the table. Then, a toy car bumped it. Next, the block fell onto the rug.

Optional challenge. Simple Stories with Beginning and Ending: after narrating the first event, tell a second linked event that happened immediately after and use a time word to connect it.

What to notice. Save a parent note quoting three sequenced sentences using first, then, and next. Drawings may support the narration but do not replace it.