Mentor Text: Introducing Sequencing to Kindergartners with “First the Egg”

Mentor Text: Introducing Sequencing to Kindergartners with "First the Egg"

Sequencing is always a hard task with early students, but this mentor text can help. This is such a cute book. The text is deceivingly simple and so are the illustrations. BUT, the book can be as complex as you’d like to make it. First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger is the perfect book for introducing students to sequencing. This book was a Caldecott Honor Book in 2008.

Using First the Egg, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, as a Mentor Text for sequencing, teachers can make connections with 2- and 3-step sequencing and writing.

On the surface, this book is a list of sequences…”First the egg then the chicken.” The simple text and accompanying simple illustration can be read by even the earliest of readers.  It covers life cycles of the frog, butterfly, and plant. This book can also serve as an introduction to the writing process, “First the word, then the story. First the paint, Then the picture.” Finally, the book ends with the cycle it started, “First the chicken, then the egg.”

The words tell a two-point sequence: egg-chicken, tadpole-frog, seed-flower. BUT the illustrations tell a three-point sequence: egg-chick-chicken, tadpole-polliwog-frog, seed-seedling-plant.

Here is a video read aloud for “First the Egg.”

Using First the Egg, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, as a Mentor Text for sequencing, teachers can make connections with 2- and 3-step sequencing and writing.

This book is obviously all about sequence, but the students can read the book themselves because there is heavy picture support. Using pictures will also help your students create a sequence.

1. Two-Step Sequencing

Using First the Egg, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, as a Mentor Text for sequencing, teachers can make connections with 2- and 3-step sequencing and writing.

Using the provided picture cards, students can each have a picture and find the partner that creates a “first-then” sequence. As partners the students will collaborate on the sequence, the sentences, and the illustrations.

2. Three-Step Sequencing

Using the provided picture cards, students can find their partner in a “first-then” scenario, but they will have to collaborate on the “last” part of the story. If I see a peanut and peanut butter, the last part of the story could be making a sandwich. They will need to collaborate and think beyond the provided to create the last.

3. Writing Process

Using the pages “First the word, then the story,” students can practice with sight words. Students can choose a word, write a sentence, then write a story. This can be a fun way to practice sight words at an independent center. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.

If you would like a First the Egg FREEBIE, click the title or the picture below.

Using First the Egg, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, as a Mentor Text for sequencing, teachers can make connections with 2- and 3-step sequencing and writing.

I also have a Reading Comprehension BIG BUNDLE. Both sequencing sets are included in the BUNDLE.

First, Then, Last - An Easy Way to Teach Sequencing
2025Cathy Collier

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