First, next, then, after that, finally
Sequencing adverbs show the order of events in a story or the steps in a recipe. We use first for the beginning, next and then for the middle, after that to continue, and finally for the end. We put a comma after first, next, after that and finally: First, Karim found a flat tyre. Then is usually used without a comma. In a story we use the past simple: First, he stopped. In a recipe we use the imperative: First, wash the lemons. Read the old fable on page 42 of your book with a grown-up. Notice how the order of events matters. Then tell a grown-up how you would use these words in a story of your own. Here is our own short story about a flat tyre.
| Word | Place in the story | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First, | beginning | First, Karim found a flat tyre. |
| Next, | middle | Next, he asked his uncle for help. |
| Then | middle | Then they took the tyre to a small shop. |
| After that, | middle | After that, the man mended it. |
| Finally, | end | Finally, Karim rode home. |
First, Karim found a flat tyre on his bicycle. Next, he asked his uncle for help. Then they walked to a small shop near the school. After that, the shop owner mended the tyre. Finally, Karim thanked him and rode home.
What do we do first?
First, wash the lemons. Next, squeeze them into a jug.
And then?
Then add water and sugar. Finally, stir it well and add ice.
Order game. The grown-up tells five steps of a story or recipe in the wrong order. The child puts them in the right order and says them again with first, next, then, after that, finally. Then the child writes the five steps of making a sandwich or tea with sequencing adverbs.