The Preschooler

Sequencing

If someone were to read a complicated recipe to you, do you think you could complete all of the steps correctly in order to make the food being described?  Probably not.  Our brains can only handle so much information at once, and it can be very difficult to listen, understand, and then carry out so many steps.  This is exactly the issue young children face when parents or teachers say too many directions at once.  However, you can help your child practice listening, understand, and then following directions to the best of their ability.

There are many ways you can practice sequencing.  One way is through stories.  After you have read a story to your child either ask him to retell the story to you in the correct order, act it out, or you can create props or cards that your child can put in order according to the events in the story.

Another way you can practice sequencing is by following a very simple recipe.  Try having your child help you make instant pudding, for example.  Keep the recipe simple, such as “Add milk. Stir until thick.  Pour into serving dishes.”  Repeat the directions several times before beginning, and ask your child what you do first, next, and last.

Of course there are many other activities you can do to help your child with sequencing, including getting dressed, using the restroom, brushing teeth, etc.  The key is to practice often so that your child is not left with the overwhelmed feeling you would experience if a chef tried to orally tell you how to make complicated delicate dessert.

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Written by BRWI Staff on April 2, 2010