How Drawing May Support Sequential Thinking
Telling a story in pictures, showing what happened "first, then, and last," or drawing the steps of a recipe — these are all ways drawing can call on sequential thinking, the skill of understanding and following order and steps.
What Sequential Thinking Involves
Sequential thinking is the ability to understand, follow, and create a logical order of steps or events. It matters for following instructions, understanding stories, math procedures, and everyday routines like getting ready in the morning.
A Careful Look at the Connection
Drawing a series of pictures to show a story or process does require thinking in steps, so it's reasonable to say this kind of drawing may give children practice with sequential thinking. It's important, though, not to treat a single drawing activity as a guaranteed way to build this skill broadly — many other activities, like following recipes or daily routines, also contribute.
How Sequence Drawing Works in Practice
When a child draws a simple comic strip or a "first, next, then, last" picture set — say, planting a seed, watering it, and watching it grow — they have to decide what belongs in each step and keep the order logical. This kind of drawing turns an abstract sequence into something visible and easier to reason about.
A Simple Activity to Try
Fold a piece of paper into three or four sections and ask your child to draw the steps of a familiar routine, like brushing teeth or making a sandwich, one step per section. Talk through the sequence together afterward.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Start with familiar routines your child already understands well.
- Use simple folded paper or pre-divided templates to make sequencing easier.
- Ask "what happens next?" questions while your child draws.
- Gradually increase the number of steps as your child becomes comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start sequence drawing?
Simple two- or three-step sequences are often manageable from around preschool age, with more complex sequences becoming easier through the elementary years.
Does this help with reading comprehension?
Understanding sequence is relevant to following a story, so there may be some general overlap, though sequence drawing alone shouldn't be relied on as a reading strategy.
My child's steps are out of order. Should I correct it?
Gently ask questions like "what do you think happens first?" rather than simply correcting the order — this keeps the reasoning process with your child.
Conclusion
Drawing a story or process in steps gives children a visual, engaging way to practice sequential thinking, which may support this skill alongside everyday routines and instructions. Related reading: drawing and organizing ideas, or find step-by-step scenes in our printable coloring pages.