Bedtime Steps
Bedtime Steps
Today we use first, then, and last to follow a bedtime order—put away, wash, sleep—then separately count one toy box, two water drops, and three stars.
Today's Approach
Amara is about 2 years and 4 months old. Keep each guided activity to 3–8 minutes. A point, pretend action, or single word is enough. The top and middle rows teach order; only the bottom row teaches quantity. Do not turn first/then/last into the numbers 1/2/3.
A4 Teaching Picture
Open the original image to download or print
How to use it
Print in colour on portrait A4 paper with “Fit to page” selected, or show it full-screen. Trace the top and middle arrows from left to right for sequence. Pause before the bottom row and say, “Now we count objects.” No extra teaching materials are needed.
Goals
- Chinese: understand 先, 然后, 最后 and 收好, 洗漱, 睡觉.
- English: meet
first,then,last,put away,wash, andsleep. - Cognition: follow a familiar three-part bedtime sequence.
- Early math: separately touch and count exactly 1 toy box, 2 water drops, and 3 stars.
- Movement and life: mime the sequence and participate in the real bedtime routine with adult support.
Materials
- Only the A4 teaching picture above, printed or displayed full-screen.
- A calm, safe place for three pretend actions.
1. Chinese Picture Talk
Time: 5–8 minutes.
Point to the top row without using numbers:
- “
FIRST是先做什么。” - “
THEN是然后做什么。” - “
LAST是最后做什么。”
Follow the middle arrows:
- “睡前先收好。”
- “然后洗漱。”
- “最后睡觉。”
Ask one choice question: “先收好，还是先睡觉？” If Amara points to the picture, confirm the sequence without asking her to recite it.
2. English Time
Time: 3–5 minutes.
| English | Meaning | Picture response |
|---|---|---|
first | 先 | Point to the start flag |
then | 然后 | Follow the middle arrow |
last | 最后 | Point to the finish check |
put away | 收好 | Pretend to place something away |
wash | 洗漱 | Pretend to wash or brush |
sleep | 睡觉 | Rest hands by one cheek |
Use one slow chain:
First, put away. Then, wash. Last, sleep.
Amara may respond to only one word or action. Do not require the full sentence.
3. Cognition and Math: Order Is Not Quantity
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Order
Trace the middle row from left to right: put away → wash → sleep. Use only first, then, and last; do not call these actions one, two, and three.
Quantity
Move to the bottom row and announce a new task: “Now we count.”
- Touch exactly 1 toy box once.
- Touch exactly 2 water drops one at a time.
- Touch exactly 3 stars one at a time.
Each number word belongs to one complete object. Do not count the numeral itself or decorative details elsewhere on the poster.
4. Movement: Pretend Bedtime
Time: 3–5 minutes.
Move away from the screen:
Put away: mime placing an item into a box.Wash: mime gentle washing or toothbrushing.Sleep: put hands by the cheek and become still.
Repeat only if Amara asks. Keep the pretend sequence playful and brief; it does not replace the real bedtime routine.
Bedtime Safety
An adult supervises real washing and toothbrushing, checks water temperature, and keeps floors dry. Keep screens out of the sleeping space when the picture activity ends. Do not ask Amara to close her eyes while standing or moving.
5. Everyday Observation and Life Skills
During the usual bedtime routine, use the same three short cues:
First, put away.Then, wash.Last, sleep.
Invite Amara to participate in one manageable step, such as placing one familiar item in its usual location or beginning to wash with adult help. A calm transition matters more than perfect order.
Bedtime Recall
- “睡前先做什么？”
- “然后呢？最后呢？”
Put away, wash, or sleep?- “底部有几滴水？”
Keep sequence questions and quantity questions separate.