Grade 6 ELA Activities

Generally defined, sequence relates to what happened and when it happened. By sixth grade, students are aware of the importance of sequence. When your child tells stories about what happened at school, she probably uses such sequence words as next, then, and later to capture the order of events (whether she is aware of doing so or not). She probably does the same things when describing the events in a story or novel.

You can improve your child’s understanding of sequence by highlighting the use of these critical words. Call attention to the role of sequence words by asking specific questions about them and the role they play in sentences.

	Paper

	Pen or pencil

Call attention to sequence words by reading them aloud with more emphasis. Give them a personality — a fitting character — as you do so.

For example, when you say, “It was a long day. Finally, I was in bed,” say the word finally with a sigh of relief. When your child says, “I went to bed later than anyone!” encourage her to shout the word later triumphantly. Raise your finger as you use the word after when saying, “After you finish your chores, you can read to your brother.” With this gesture, the word after carries with it a signal: it is a reminder and a clear direction.

When you emphasize sequence words in this way, they become easier for your child to use effectively. When you listen to your child breathlessly describe a busy day, for example, you might hear her link events by saying, “and then... and then... and then...” This type of sequence word does not present the various events in any sort of complex relationship to each other. Help your child retell the story, using such sequence words as when, earlier, afterwards, and later. As your child gains confidence, encourage her to use still, during, while, meanwhile, and since.

When talking with your child about her summer plans, ask her to describe the sequence of particular plans and events. Will she take swimming lessons before going to the beach? Will she read a favorite book as she waits for the bus? On Monday, for example, will she first feed the cat and then play basketball? Will she visit her friend while you are at work?

In calling attention to sequence words, you are helping your child see how each sequence word sets up a unique relationship between events. If you want to give your child a further challenge, help her create a summer calendar for each member of the family. The calendar can show weekly or daily views of each person’s plans and responsibilities, both inside and outside the home. After she has presented a calendar for each member of the family, you might have her take some responsibility for planning family events, taking everyone’s commitments into account.

 Grade 6 ELA Activities