The idea, step by step
What happens first?
A sequence is an order. We use first, next and last to explain what happens.
In this picture, breakfast is before school. Dinner is after school.
Tell the order clearly
Before means earlier. After means later. Say which events you are comparing.
Families can have different routines. Explain the order for the story you are telling.
A common trap
Before and after mean the same thing.
Instead: Before is earlier. After is later.
See the thinking
Order a day
What happens between breakfast and dinner in the picture?
- Follow the arrow from breakfast.
- School comes next, before dinner.
Wash your hands
Order these actions: dry hands; wash hands; turn on the tap.
- You need water before washing.
- Dry your hands after washing.
Check your understanding
Lunch is after morning play and before home time. Which is last?
Show answer
Home time.
The order is morning play, lunch, home time.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Which event is first in the picture?
- Is dinner before or after school in the picture?
- Order these: put on shoes; put on socks.
- First plant a seed, next water it, later a shoot grows. What happens next after planting?
- Mia brushes her teeth after breakfast. Which event is earlier?
- Draw three events from your day. Label them first, next and last.
Read the worked solutions
- Which event is first in the picture?
It is at the start of the sequence.
Breakfast. - Is dinner before or after school in the picture?
Follow the arrow from school to dinner.
After school. - Order these: put on shoes; put on socks.
The socks go inside the shoes.
Put on socks, then put on shoes. - First plant a seed, next water it, later a shoot grows. What happens next after planting?
Read the action following first.
Water the seed. - Mia brushes her teeth after breakfast. Which event is earlier?
Brushing happens later.
Breakfast. - Draw three events from your day. Label them first, next and last.
Check each time word shows the order.
Answers vary: three sensible events are correctly ordered.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 sequencing familiar events and describing duration; months in order. No clock-reading assessment.
Official curriculum source ↗