3 Step Sequencing Cards for Preschoolers

Kids will begin to make sense of the order in which events happen when you introduce them to sequencing with these 3 step sequencing cards for kids.

When you use sequencing cards with your preschoolers, you’re helping them understand how events occur in a logical order. This skill is necessary as they begin to hone their beginning math skills.

Sequencing allows them to recognize patterns in their everyday lives. It helps them make sense of the world around them.

3-Step Sequence Cards

Working on sequencing activities helps preschoolers begin to retell stories as they talk about the beginning, middle, and end. It also helps bring order to the things they do for themselves as they work toward independence – first socks, then shoes, etc.

Use sequencing words often.

Use words like first, next, and last as you go about your day. First, pour cereal in your bowl. Next, pour milk on it. Last, eat your cereal.

Use ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc) as you play games or notice things around you. The teenager is first in the grocery line. Second is the mom with the baby. We’re third in line. Who is fourth?

Talk about the stories you read at bedtime. Ask your child what happened in the beginning. What happened in the middle? How did it end?

Practice with sequence cards.

These 3-step sequencing cards printables are perfect for preschoolers and pre-readers. This printable pack contains 25 sets of sequencing cards plus a set of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cards.

I suggest printing them on cardstock and laminating them for durability. Then, cut out all of the cards. Put the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cards on your workspace. Choose a set of cards (an egg hatching, for instance).

Discuss each of the steps with your preschooler. You can even make a story out of them as you go. One day, I found an egg in the backyard. I brought it inside and put it on the table. The next morning, I noticed a crack on the eggshell. Later in the day, the egg cracked open and a baby chick popped out.

Once your preschooler gets the hang of it, they can work on this activity independently. It’s easy for you to peek over and be sure they’re sequencing correctly. If not, you can walk them through the steps and help them re-order the cards.

Let them tell you stories about their favorite set of cards. If you’d like to expand the lesson, you can add these “how to” writing pages.

Teaching Resources

Sequencing puzzles are a great way to encourage problem solving skills! These puzzles have kids sequencing size, numbers, seed to flower, making an apple pie, and more. 

This set of 26 four-step sequencing cards is perfect for little ones. And, they’re numbered on the back to make them self-checking. 

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.