This lesson teaches sequencing and visual literacy by having students tell a story in three panels: first, then, last. It is designed for early elementary students and English language learners.
Subject: Reading / Writing / ELL · Grade: K–3 · Time: 20–25 minutes
Learning objectives
- Sequence events in chronological order
- Translate a verbal or written story into three visual panels
- Use time-order vocabulary (first, then, last / next, finally)
Materials
- Classic layout with three cells in Storyboard Creator
- A simple story the class knows (fairy tale, class event, daily routine)
- Classroom library filter on
Lesson steps
1. Introduce sequencing (5 min)
Tell a three-step story out loud: "First I woke up. Then I brushed my teeth. Last I ate breakfast."
Ask: what happened first? what happened next? what happened last?
Write the words on the board: First → Then → Last
2. Model with a known story (5 min)
Pick a story students know (The Three Little Pigs, a class field trip, a daily routine). Draw three boxes on the board:
Fill in the three panels together. Stick figures are fine.
| Panel | Prompt |
|---|---|
| First | How does it start? |
| Then | What happens next? |
| Last | How does it end? |
3. Students board their sequence (10 min)
Open Storyboard Creator. Pick the Classic layout with three cells. Label them:
Students pick a story (assigned or chosen) and draw or drop library characters into each cell. Add a caption below each panel.
- First
- Then
- Last
4. Share (5 min)
Pairs read each other's boards. Check: does the sequence make sense? Could you tell what happened first, then, last?
Differentiation
- Younger students: Use two panels (first, last) instead of three
- Older students: Add "next" for a four-panel sequence
- ELL students: Provide picture prompts for each panel
- Advanced students: Add "why" captions (why did this happen?)
Printable version
Use the classic worksheet template or print a blank storyboard template and divide it into three squares.