First and Then Picture Cards

The teacher lays picture cards of actions on the floor (jump, spin, crawl, sit) and the group does them in order: first one, then the next. Kids work on understanding order in time, memory and attention.

How to play

1. Before class, make big cards with one picture each: jump, spin, crawl, sit, clap, stretch. Everyone sits in a half circle facing a wall or the spot on the floor where you'll put them.
2. Show one card and do the action. Everyone copies. Repeat with each card (3 min).
3. Place two cards in a row, left to right as the kids see them: “First jump, then sit.” Point to each one as you say it. Everyone does it (4 min).
4. Add a third: “First, then, and last.” Do several different series, changing the cards (4 min).
5. Take the cards away after showing them: “Remember? What came first?” They do it from memory (2 min).
6. To finish, a child lays out two or three cards and the whole group does the series (2 min).

Rules

• Wait until the teacher finishes pointing to start.
• When spinning or crawling, check the space around you.
• Look at the cards, don't step on them.
• If you mix up the order, look at the row again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use cards with actions the child can do from a wheelchair, like raising arms or clapping.
• Autism: preview all the cards before starting and let the child lay out a series.
• Skill level: longer series for kids who've got it; kids who need help can watch a buddy while doing it.

Learning goals

• Understand and follow the order first, then and last.
• Remember a short series of actions.
• Perform a variety of movements from a picture.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cards: 8

Teacher tip

Always point to the card as you say “first” and “then.” Big laminated cards will last all year.

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