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What Comes First?

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Lesson Plan

Step Sequencing Map

Students will verbally sequence steps in simple tasks, focusing on identifying and phrasing the starting action to strengthen task initiation skills.

Sequencing and articulating the first step boosts executive function and organization, helping 3rd graders plan effectively and build confidence in starting tasks.

Audience

3rd Grade Small-Group Students

Time

5 minutes

Approach

Verbal mapping of task steps with prompts and discussion.

Materials

First-Then Slides, and I’d Start With… Prompt

Prep

Prepare Materials

2 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

  • Greet students and explain the goal: identifying what to do first in everyday tasks
  • Show slide 1 of the First-Then Slides as a visual example

Step 2

Prompt Discussion

1 minute

Step 3

Verbal Mapping

2 minutes

  • Guide students through 2–3 tasks on the slides
  • For each task, ask: “What comes first?” and encourage “First, ___.” phrasing
  • Validate responses and clarify if steps are out of order

Step 4

Wrap-Up

1 minute

  • Ask: “Why is naming the first step important?”
  • Reinforce using “First, ___.” when starting tasks
  • Praise students for clear sequencing and encourage using this strategy independently
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Slide Deck

What Comes First?

First–Then Sequence Warm-Up

Welcome students and introduce the warm-up. Say: “Today we’re going to practice deciding what step comes first when we do everyday tasks. We’ll use the phrase ‘First, …’ to help us get started.”

First–Then Example

Task: Brushing Teeth

First, pick up your toothbrush.
Then, put toothpaste on it.

Explain: “Here’s an example for brushing your teeth.” Read the slide aloud: “First, pick up your toothbrush. Then, put toothpaste on it.” Point out the ‘First, …’ at the beginning.

Your Turn: What Comes First?

Task 1: Tying Shoes
[Image of tying shoes]
First, ______

Task 2: Packing a Backpack
[Image of a backpack]
First, ______

Display visuals if you have them. Ask volunteers: “What comes first?” Prompt students to use ‘First, …’ phrasing and fill in the blank. Provide positive feedback.

Wrap-Up

Why is naming the first step important?

Remember to start tasks by saying:
“First, …”

Lead a quick discussion: “Why is naming the first step important?” Encourage answers like “It helps us start and stay organized.” Remind students to say “First, …” when they begin tasks.

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Warm Up

I’d Start With… Prompt

Use the sentence starter “I’d start with …” to name the very first action for each task. Say the whole sentence out loud or write it below.

Example 1: Brushing Teeth
I’d start with picking up my toothbrush.

Example 2: Tying Shoes
I’d start with crossing my shoelaces over each other.

Your Turn

Task 1: Packing a Backpack
I’d start with _______________________________________


Task 2: Zipping a Jacket
I’d start with _______________________________________


Task 3: Setting the Table
I’d start with _______________________________________


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