Writing in sequence means that you write events in the order in which they happen. A timeline is a type of graphic organizer that helps you list events in the order in which they occur - from first to last. I begin the lesson by having my students watch a short Brainpop video on writing in sequence and taking the graded quiz. (Teacher will take and discuss the graded quiz as a whole class. Students will answer quiz using sign language to show answers (a, b, c, or d), or students will write answers on a personal dry erase board. Teacher will use quiz as a check for understanding and monitor and adjust instructional strategies as appropriate.)
We practice together writing information on a timeline and then creating a written summary of the events we listed on the timeline. I have students to think about their lives and just list 5 major events on the timeline.
Example I use as a model:
- I was born in 2003.
- In 2006, I had a baby sister.
- I began kindergarten in 2008.
- Last year, I was in 3rd grade.
- Now, I'm in 4th grade.
Now, we take those events on the timeline and create a written summary, which I write on the board:
On August 23, 2003, I was born in Memphis, TN. In 2006, I had a baby sister named Natalie. I began attending kindergarten at Oakhaven Elementary in 2008. Last year, I was in 3rd grade in Ms. Thomas' class. Now, I'm in 4th grade this year in Ms. Brown's class.
Now, I have my scholars to re-read "Because of Winn-Dixie" independently and write 5 major events on their timeline. After that, they use the events listed on their timeline to create a written summary of the story. I put our written summary formula on the board for them to reference. I allow students an opportunity to ask questions and I answer them.
Let's present our written summaries. As we listen to each other's summaries, listen for the topic sentence that states the main idea, the 3 supporting details, and the conclusion.