Before, Now & Next Timeline Mats — Printable Past–Present–Future Sequencing Mats with 45 Picture Cards for Verb Tenses
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4.9 (52 ratings)
Grade Levels
Pre-K – Kindergarten (Ages 4–7)
Content Overview
Format: PDF | Pages: 12 | Features: 15 three-card stories, sequencing, past/present/future, visual timeline mat
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About the Product
Introduction
The Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF is a 12-page digital kit designed for children learning to sequence events and understand time concepts. This resource features a left-to-right timeline mat labeled BEFORE, NOW, and NEXT, along with 45 picture cards grouped into 15 three-card stories. Each story guides children to place events in the correct order, supporting learners who are ready to move beyond describing what is happening now.
Sequencing three events is at the heart of this kit, helping children build skills in reading a picture for done, doing, or about to happen. By matching each card to its correct slot, learners practice recognizing simple past, present continuous, and future with will in real-life contexts. Measurable outcomes include improved story retelling, understanding of time order, and increased confidence using verbs in different tenses.
Perfect for home, classroom, and therapy settings, this resource supports children with speech delay, autism, or those using AAC. The timeline mat and cards encourage hands-on engagement, making it easy to use for group activities, one-on-one instruction, or independent practice.
Product Details
- Resource Name: Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF
- Format: Printable and screen-ready PDF
- Total Pages: 12
- Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1
- Designed For: Sequencing, time concepts, speech and language development, AAC users
- Printing Notes: Two mats per page; card sheets print one story per row
- Best Used In: Home, classroom, therapy sessions
- Sets: 15 three-card stories (45 picture cards)
- Visuals / Illustrations: Real-life photographs on every card, clear story titles and numbering
Educational Benefits
1. Sequencing and Story Order Mastery
- Children practice arranging events in logical order using real-life picture stories.
- Supports understanding of before, now, and next through hands-on card placement.
- Reinforces left-to-right progression, a key foundation for reading and storytelling.
2. Verb Tense Recognition Skills
- Learners identify and use simple past, present continuous, and future with will.
- The kit provides exposure to regular and irregular verb forms in context.
- Helps children link actions to time, building grammar and language confidence.
3. Visual Discrimination and Comprehension
- Real photographs encourage close observation and careful comparison of details.
- Children learn to read a picture for done, doing, or about to happen.
- Strengthens the ability to interpret visual cues and match them to time slots.
4. Communication and AAC Parity
- Supports expressive language for children using speech, signs, or AAC devices.
- Putting cards in order gives a complete answer, accessible to nonverbal learners.
- Promotes participation and inclusion in group or one-on-one settings.
5. Practical Application of the primary_keyword
- The Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF makes time concepts concrete.
- Children gain confidence retelling stories and describing events in sequence.
- Encourages independence in understanding and communicating about time.
Instructions for Use
Step 1: Print and Prepare the Materials
- Print the timeline mats and story card sheets on sturdy paper for durability.
- Cut out the 45 picture cards along the lines, keeping story sets together.
- Laminate mats and cards if desired for repeated classroom or therapy use.
Step 2: Introduce the Timeline Mat
- Show the child the mat labeled BEFORE, NOW, and NEXT, reading each aloud.
- Demonstrate left-to-right order, explaining how each slot represents a time point.
- Place the mat in front of the child for easy access.
Step 3: Select and Present a Story Set
- Choose one three-card story and lay out the cards in random order.
- Point out the story title and number on each card for reference.
- Encourage the child to look closely at the photographs for clues.
Step 4: Start with the Present Continuous Card
- Ask the child to find the picture showing what is happening now.
- Guide them to place that card in the center (NOW) slot on the mat.
- This step supports present continuous recognition.
Step 5: Sequence the Past and Future Cards
- Prompt the child to identify which picture happened before and which comes next.
- Have them place the remaining cards in the BEFORE and NEXT slots.
- Sequencing three events builds understanding of time order.
Step 6: Expand with Storytelling and Repetition
- Invite the child to retell the whole story using the cards in order.
- Repeat with new story sets to reinforce sequencing and verb tense skills.
- Use for independent practice, small groups, or AAC-supported communication.
Activities Using the Resource
1. Sequencing Three Events with Picture Cards
Objective: To build understanding of the primary_keyword by arranging real-life events in order.
How to Play:
- Select a three-card story set (e.g., eating lunch).
- Mix up the cards and ask the child to place them in BEFORE, NOW, and NEXT slots.
- Encourage the child to describe each event as they place the cards.
Skill Development:
- Sequencing three events in logical order
- Visual discrimination using real photographs
- Expressive language for story retelling
2. Verb Tense Sorting Game
Objective: To identify and use simple past, present continuous, and future verb forms.
How to Play:
- Lay out several cards from different stories.
- Ask the child to sort cards into groups: done, doing, about to happen.
- Match each group to BEFORE, NOW, or NEXT on the timeline mat.
Skill Development:
- Verb tense recognition in context
- Categorization based on visual cues
- Grammar and sentence structure awareness
3. AAC Communication Practice with Timeline Mat
Objective: To support nonverbal children in answering questions using the primary_keyword.
How to Play:
- Present a story set and the timeline mat.
- Ask the child to answer "What happened before?" or "What will happen next?" by placing cards.
- Use AAC devices or signs to describe each slot as cards are placed.
Skill Development:
- Functional AAC use for sequencing
- Turn-taking and communication
- Comprehension of time-based questions
4. Story Retelling with Visual Prompts
Objective: To strengthen narrative skills and sentence formation using three-event stories.
How to Play:
- Place one complete story in order on the mat.
- Have the child retell the story aloud, using the pictures as prompts.
- Prompt for details: "What did he do first? What is he doing now? What will he do next?"
Skill Development:
- Storytelling with time order
- Sentence expansion and detail inclusion
- Listening and recall abilities
5. Left-to-Right Progression Practice
Objective: To reinforce left-to-right sequencing, supporting early reading skills.
How to Play:
- Give the child a shuffled story set.
- Emphasize placing cards from left (BEFORE) to right (NEXT).
- Repeat with different stories, always following left-to-right order.
Skill Development:
- Directionality for reading readiness
- Consistent sequencing habits
- Visual-motor coordination
6. Picture Clues and Inference Game
Objective: To develop inferencing skills by interpreting visual details for sequencing.
How to Play:
- Show the child only the NOW card from a story.
- Ask them to choose which card shows BEFORE and which shows NEXT, using picture clues.
- Discuss how they decided, focusing on changes in the images.
Skill Development:
- Inferencing from visual information
- Observation and comparison skills
- Logical reasoning for event order
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What age group is the Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF designed for?
A1: This resource is best for children ages 4 to 7, typically in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1. The real-life stories and simple three-step sequencing make it accessible for early learners. Older children with language delays or those new to time concepts also benefit from the structure.
Q2: Can I use the timeline mat and cards with small groups in a classroom?
A2: Yes, the kit is ideal for small group activities in classrooms. Each student can have a turn sequencing a story, or groups can work together to discuss and order the cards. For centers, print multiple mats and story sets so everyone participates.
Q3: Is the timeline mat suitable for speech therapy sessions?
A3: Absolutely, the resource is designed to support speech and language goals, including sequencing and verb tense use. Therapists can prompt children to describe each picture and practice sentences like "He ate," "He is eating," and "He will eat." The hands-on format is especially effective for children with speech delay or autism.
Q4: How should I print and prepare the timeline mat and picture cards for repeated use?
A4: Print the mats and cards on thick paper or cardstock for durability. Laminating the pieces makes them easy to clean and reuse in classrooms or therapy. Store each story set in labeled envelopes or pouches for quick access.
Q5: Are the activities differentiated for children with special needs?
A5: Yes, the resource supports a range of learning needs, including AAC users and children with autism. The visual structure and left-to-right sequencing help children who benefit from clear routines and minimal language demands. You can scaffold by starting with just the NOW card, then add BEFORE and NEXT as skills grow.
Q6: Can I use this PDF on a tablet or computer without printing?
A6: Yes, the PDF is screen-ready and works well on tablets, computers, or interactive whiteboards. Children can point to or drag their choices on-screen during digital lessons or teletherapy. For best results, use full-screen mode and zoom in on each story row as needed.
Q7: What specific skills and learning goals does this resource target?
A7: The Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF targets sequencing, verb tense recognition, and story retelling. Children learn to identify and use lsi_terms[1] (simple past, present continuous, and future) through real-life picture stories. It also builds lsi_terms[3] (visual discrimination and comprehension) by requiring close observation and logical ordering.
Q8: What are the usage rights for this PDF resource from Wellness Hub?
A8: You may use the PDF for personal, classroom, or therapy purposes but not for commercial redistribution. Sharing with colleagues is permitted within the same organization or classroom. For broader distribution, please contact Wellness Hub for licensing options.
Q9: How do I receive and download my digital resource after purchase?
A9: After purchase, you will receive a secure download link via email from Wellness Hub. The PDF is delivered instantly and can be saved to your device for future use. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
Q10: What is Wellness Hub's refund or exchange policy for digital downloads?
A10: Wellness Hub does not offer refunds or exchanges for digital PDF resources once downloaded. This policy ensures the integrity of digital content and protects intellectual property. If you experience technical issues or receive the wrong file, contact customer support for prompt assistance.
Usage Rights and Restrictions
Allowed Usage:
- Personal use by parents, teachers, and therapists.
- Printable for classroom, home, or therapy settings.
- Can be used in group or one-on-one learning sessions.
Not Allowed:
- Reselling, redistributing, or modifying the resource for commercial use.
- Sharing publicly (e.g., on blogs, social media, or websites) without permission.
- Uploading the file to public sharing platforms.
If you need a bulk license for schools or therapy centers, please contact us.
Conclusion
The Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF empowers children to understand time order and story sequencing in a hands-on, visual way. Designed for early learners, children with speech delay, autism, or those using AAC, this resource makes abstract time concepts concrete and accessible through real-life picture stories.
By practicing verb tense recognition and building independence, learners develop essential language skills that support communication at home, in the classroom, and during therapy sessions. The kit's focus on simple past, present continuous, and future forms ensures children gain confidence using language in meaningful contexts.
Bring the Past, Present, and Future Three-Slot Timeline Mat PDF into your learning space today and help your child master sequencing skills for lifelong communication success.