Story Sequence Activity with Free Printable Cards (Thirsty Crow, Hare and Tortoise, Lion and the Mouse)
Looking for a fun and educational storytelling activity for your little ones? This Story Sequence Activity is perfect for preschoolers and early learners to build listening skills, logical thinking, and story comprehension. Using free printable story cards from timeless tales like The Thirsty Crow, The Hare and the Tortoise, and The Lion and the Mouse, this activity brings classic fables to life in a hands-on way!
Why Story Sequencing Is Important for Kids
Children love stories—but understanding the beginning, middle, and end of a story is a key early literacy skill. Story sequencing not only improves comprehension, but also boosts critical thinking, language development, and the ability to retell stories in their own words. This activity also supports visual learning, making it ideal for young learners.
What’s Included in the Story Sequence Activity?
Each classic story is illustrated through 4 vibrant picture cards that capture key moments. For example:
- The Thirsty Crow: From the crow spotting the pitcher to dropping pebbles to reach the water.
- The Hare and the Tortoise: The race’s start, the hare’s nap, the tortoise’s steady pace, and the finish line.
- The Lion and the Mouse: The mouse freeing the lion from the net after being spared.
These visuals help kids grasp plot structure, cause-and-effect, and moral lessons in an engaging way.
How to Make Story Sequence Activity
Make DIY Story Board with Printable Cards
Creating your own story sequencing activity is simple and super engaging. Here’s how you can set it up at home or in the classroom:
Materials Needed:
- FREE Printable Story Cards (Download button below)
- Sticker paper or regular printing paper
- Cardstock or cardboard
- Scissors
- Velcro dots (hook and loop)
- A large cardboard (for story board)
- Pencil and ruler
Steps to Make Story Sequence Activity
Download the FREE printable story cards by clicking the button below.
Print the sheets on sticker paper for easy pasting. If not available, use normal paper and glue.
Cut out each illustrated picture card (Each story has 4 cards).
Paste the cards on small pieces of cardstock or thick cardboard for durability.
On a larger cardboard sheet, draw a 5×3 square grid (each square should match the size of the cards).
Stick velcro dots on the back of each card and inside each square of the board.
And that’s it—your story sequencing board is ready!
How to Play Story Sequencing Activity
Start by narrating one story aloud (we’ve linked the tales below for quick reference!).
Stories Link
Then, hand over the picture cards and let your child:
- Sequence the Story: Identify the beginning, middle, and end by placing cards in order.
- Retell the Tale: Encourage them to explain each step, boosting language skills.
- Mix & Problem-Solve: Jumble cards from different stories and challenge them to sort each set!
You’ll be surprised at how quickly they pick up storytelling skills!
What Kids Learn From This Activity
This activity isn’t just fun—it’s foundational for early literacy. Kids learn:
- What Kids Learn from This Activity
- Sequencing Skills: Understanding story structure and timelines.
- Comprehension: Connecting visuals to plot and morals.
- Fine Motor Skills: Handling cards and Velcro dots improves dexterity.
- Creativity & Critical Thinking: “What if the hare didn’t nap?” Let their imagination roam!
- Story structure (beginning, middle, end)
- Logical thinking and event sequencing
- Vocabulary building
- Listening and comprehension
- Fine motor skills (when handling and placing the cards)
- Improved attention span
Similar Activities to Try Out
Looking for more activities like this? You can also explore:
- Emotion Sequencing Activity – Helps kids understand feelings in story characters.
- Daily Routine Sequencing – A great morning circle time activity.
- Color Pattern Matching Games
- Cut and Paste Worksheets
- Shape and Shadow Matching Printables
- Animal Habitat Sorting Activity
All of these build core early learning skills in fun and interactive ways.
With just a few supplies and a printable template, you can turn storytelling into a fun, hands-on learning game. Our Story Sequence Activity is a powerful tool to boost literacy and critical thinking in early learners while keeping them entertained. By blending beloved fables with problem-solving play, this activity nurtures early literacy, logical thinking, and a love for storytelling. Don’t forget to download your FREE printables and give this timeless learning activity a try!
Click here to Download Free Printable for more Activities!