Let’s read the story carefully and find out when each event happens.
The story is about Ben’s birthday party, and we need to put four events in order: 1 (first), 2 (second), 3 (third), or 4 (last).
Here are the events from the table:
- Ben opens his presents.
- Ben’s friends arrive, and they sing “Happy Birthday.”
- Ben and his mom decorate the house.
- They play musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey.
Now let’s go through the story paragraph by paragraph.
---
First paragraph:
> Today is Ben’s eighth birthday. He is very excited for his birthday party. In the morning, Ben and his mom decorate the house with balloons and streamers. They hang a big banner that says, “Happy Birthday, Ben!”
→ So,
Ben and his mom decorate the house happens first — in the morning. That’s event #1.
---
Second paragraph:
> At noon, Ben’s friends arrive. They all wear colorful party hats. Ben’s mom brings out a chocolate cake with eight candles. Ben makes a wish and blows out the candles. Everyone claps and sings “Happy Birthday.”
→ So,
Ben’s friends arrive, and they sing “Happy Birthday” happens at noon — after decorating. That’s event #2.
---
Third paragraph:
> After the cake, it’s time for games. They play musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. Ben wins a game of musical chairs and laughs with his friends.
→ So,
They play musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey happens after the cake — that’s event #3.
---
Fourth paragraph:
> Finally, Ben opens his presents. He gets many exciting gifts, including a soccer ball and a comic book. Ben thanks everyone for the wonderful gifts. “This is the best birthday ever!” he exclaims.
→ The word “Finally” tells us this is last. So,
Ben opens his presents is event #4.
---
Let’s double-check the order:
1. Decorate the house → Morning
2. Friends arrive + sing Happy Birthday → Noon (after decorating)
3. Play games → After cake (which was during/after singing)
4. Open presents → Finally (last thing)
Yes, that matches the story perfectly.
Final Answer:
| Put these events in order by writing 1,2,3, or 4. | (1, 2, 3, 4) |
|--------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| Ben opens his presents. | 4 |
| Ben’s friends arrive, and they sing “Happy Birthday.” | 2 |
| Ben and his mom decorate the house. | 1 |
| They play musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. | 3 |
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of reading for grade 2.
