Why Before and After works

Before and After works best as one connected sequence built around reasoning that can be explained from visible clues or rules. Place two images or situations in logical before-and-after order and explain what changed between them. Begin by asking the child to look at both pictures without arranging them, and let that result prepare them to identify the visible change.

Set up — Look at both pictures without arranging them

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to look at both pictures without arranging them. Make sure that opening step is comfortable before the child moves on to identify the visible change. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects during the opening attempt to look at both pictures without arranging them.

Step 2 — Identify the visible change

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to identify the visible change. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to choose which picture most logically comes first.

Step 3 — Choose which picture most logically comes first

After the child tries to choose which picture most logically comes first, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to place the second picture after it rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Place the second picture after it

Have the child place the second picture after it before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to explain the event that connects the two states, especially compared with the earlier request to choose which picture most logically comes first.

Step 5 — Explain the event that connects the two states

Give the child time to explain the event that connects the two states and notice the result. The following instruction to explain the event that connects the two states should use what they learned after previously trying to place the second picture after it.

What to notice before Explain the event that connects the two states

Do not judge the activity only by whether the sequence reaches the point where the instruction is to explain the event that connects the two states. Pay attention to which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer during the transition from choose which picture most logically comes first to place the second picture after it.

Make Choose which picture most logically comes first easier or harder

If the child loses the thread while trying to choose which picture most logically comes first, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious. When that step is secure, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule without changing the setup that leads to place the second picture after it.

Finish after Explain the event that connects the two states

Explain the event that connects the two states. If the child can explain what happened, the activity has reached a complete ending. Find the next activity in the activity search, or make a new one with the activity generator.