Free Printable Sequence of Events Graphic Organizers

About these sequence of events handouts

Sequencing is the skill of putting events in the order they happened. It supports retelling a story, following a science procedure, understanding a historical period and writing steps in how-to text. Students who can sequence are better at summary because they know where each event belongs.

The horizontal version has five numbered boxes with arrows, each with a drawing area and writing lines, which suits a story with several events or a process with five steps. The vertical version stacks five numbered rows with lines, ideal for writing complete sentences. The first, next, then, last version has four large squares, each with a drawing space and three lines at wider spacing, and its arrow path teaches the reading order of the page. It is a good first sequencing page for grades K to 2.

Use the organizers for the life cycle of a butterfly, the steps of an experiment, the order of a story or a recipe. The time-order words first, next, then, after that and finally can be written along with each box. Type the topic in the Topic or story box to print it at the top.

How to use them

1. Choose the number of steps your task needs: four, or five.
2. Type the topic in the Topic or story box and print.
3. Students draw or write the first event, then the last, then fill in the middle.
4. Use time-order words in each box.
5. Check the order by reading the boxes aloud as a retell.

Classroom tips

• Cut apart a finished sequence and shuffle it for a partner to re-order.
• Teach the words first, next, then, after that and finally on a class chart before students write.
• For procedures, have students test the sequence by following it exactly.
• Use the vertical version when students need to write full sentences.

Last reviewed 2026-10-03. Handout Hero designs are original and made for this site. They are general reference material; check your own school, district or tradition where it matters.