Helping your child to sequence language

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service

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Helping Your Child to Sequence Language (172kB pdf)

Lots of sequences happen throughout the day. Learning about sequencing will help their understanding of cause and effect and the order in which things happen. It can also be used to help them explain and describe events and to tell stories.

Top Tips

Start with talking about familiar sequences that happen during the day e.g. their routine for their day, brushing their teeth, making a sandwich
Use vocabulary related to sequencing e.g. first / next / last; before / after;
Act out a familiar sequence using real objects and toys e.g. dressing a teddy, making a drink, making toast, and talk together about what you are doing

Take photographs of the different steps of a familiar routine or activity e.g. going the park, baking a cake, brushing your teeth. Then help your child put the pictures in the right order, while you tell them what’s happening at each stage
After you have helped your child to sequence lots of familiar routines, they should be ready to sort the order themselves. Start with just 2-3 pictures showing a sequence. You can use the photos you have taken. If your child gets stuck you can help them by saying, “what did we do first?”, “what happened next?” “Then what did we do?”
Once the pictures are in the right order, ask your child to look at them and tell you what is happening. Begin by asking them to describe one picture at a time. After lots of practice encourage them to tell you about the whole sequence to make a story.
Think about very familiar stories that you read over and over, can your child tell you the story?

For more information visit www.alderhey.nhs.uk or talk to your Speech and Language Therapist.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.