Time Order Words
Basics on the topic Time Order Words
Time Order Signal Words
Have you ever asked yourself what time order words are? In this text we will learn how to use time order words. In writing, time order words are often used to turn lists of thoughts into logical stories following a timeline.
Time Order Words – Definition
Time order signal words tell us when something is happening. They are words like first, next, and last. These words help writers keep their stories in order and show time passing from beginning to end.
Time Order Words in Writing
Start with a list numbered one, two, three where each event is written in order. Then we swap out the numbers for the words first, next, and last.
Number one is first on the list, so we can use the word first in its place.
Number two is second on the list, so we can use the word next in its place.
Three is the last number in our list, so we can use the word last in its place.
Our final step is to rewrite the new sentences next to each other. The list is now a story!
Time Order Words in Writing – Summary
When we use time order words, we tell the reader the order that something happened.
We can switch the numbers in a one-two-three list with the words first, next, and last.
Then, we rewrite the sentences next to one another to finish the story!
Turning back to the previous example, this is how you apply the time order words first, next and last:
| Time order word | Usage |
|---|---|
| First | “First, I got out of the plane.” |
| Next | “Next, I jumped out.” |
| Last | “Last, I landed.” |
Have you practiced yet? On this website, you can also find time order words worksheets and exercises.
Transcript Time Order Words
Ernie and Jane are sending cards to their family and friends. Each card has a photo of their favorite thing that happened this year. What wonderful memories! On the back, Ernie and Jane want to write what they were doing in the pictures. They have their lists ready, but need to learn about "Time Order Words" to finish their cards. Time order words tell us when something is happening. We start by putting our story events in order of one, two, three so they make sense. Now, we can use these special words, first, next, last, to turn our list into a story. We call these time order words. They help writers keep their stories in order and show time passing from beginning to end. Let's look at our list. Number one is first on the list, so we can use the word first in it's place. Number two is second on the list, so we can use the word next in it's place. Three is the last number in our list, so we can use the word last in it's place. Our final step is to rewrite our new sentences next to each other. And voila, our list is now a story! Let's teach Jane together! Here is Jane's list: One, I got on the plane. Two, I jumped out. Three, I landed! Our first step is to switch the number one with the word first. First, I got on the plane. Then, we switch the number two with the word next. Next, I jumped out. Finally, we switch the number three with the word last. Last, I landed! Our final step is to re-write our new sentences next to each other. Let's read Jane's card together! First, I got on the plane. Next, I jumped out. Last, I landed! Now that Jane's cards are ready, let's help Ernie. Ernie's list says: One, I got a box. Two, I opened the box. Three, I hung my new hammock! Start by switching number one with first. First, I got a box! Then, switch number two with next. Next, I opened the box. Finally, switch number three with last. Last, I hung my new hammock! Now, rewrite the new sentences next to each other. Let's read Ernie's card together! First, I got a box! Next, I opened the box. Last, I hung my new hammock! "Let's mail our cards!" As Ernie and Jane send the cards, let's remember! Today we learned about the time order words, first, next, and last. They tell us when something happens. We can switch the numbers in a one-two-three list with the words first, next, and last. When we use time order words, we tell the reader the order that something happened. Then, we rewrite the sentences next to one another to finish the story! Look what's waiting when they return home!
Time Order Words exercise
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Match the audio to the pictures.
HintsSolutionFirst, next, last, the end.
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Match the time order words with the pictures.
HintsFirst, the sun rises, and the sky turns pink. Next, the sun rises higher, and the sky turns blue. Last, the sun sets, the sky turns dark, and the moon rises.
SolutionWe use the rising sun to show the time order word, first.
We use the midday sky to show the time order word, next.
Finally, we use the night sky to show the time order word, last.
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Can you help Ernie and Jane remember the important time order words?
HintsSolution- First
- Next
- Last
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Identify which time order word belongs in each sentence.
HintsFirst, I wake up.
SolutionFirst, I wake up.
Next, I eat my breakfast.
Last, I get on the bus to go to school. -
Label the picture with the time order words.
HintsSolution- First
- Next
- Last
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Ernie and Jane are almost ready to send their postcards! Can you help them write the last part?
HintsFirst, the sun rose. Next, the sun shone. Last, the sun set.
SolutionFirst, I got a box. Next, I opened the box. Last, I hung my new hammock.
First, I got on the plane. Next, I jumped out. Last, I landed.
