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English lesson plan · 3rd grade (Year 4 in England) · 30 minutes

Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.3.1.CCCSS W.3.2.CEngland: Y3 GPS (conjunctions and adverbs)England: Y3/4 Writing (cohesion)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Give reasons with because, also and so

Leads to: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result

Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Give reasons with because, also and so). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Choose the linking word that fits. Recycling saves resources, ___ everyone should do it. (so / or / but / because) → soPrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?
  2. Read the question. Which sentence gives an opinion with a reason? (It is summer. / Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny. / What is your favourite season? / Summer comes after spring.) → Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny.Prompt: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
  3. Choose the linking word that fits. Reading is great because you learn new things. It ___ helps you relax. (because / also / but / so) → alsoPrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?

Hook · 3 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Dogs make great pets ___ they are loyal and playful.
  • Step 1: Linking words show how ideas connect, so the reader can follow your thinking.
  • Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and playful."
  • Step 3: So the answer is: because
  • Answer: because
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Recycling paper saves trees. It ___ saves energy. (for example / because / therefore / also) → alsoPrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
  2. It was stormy. Therefore, the match was cancelled. What job does "Therefore" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → shows a resultPrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Cats are clean animals. For example, they wash themselves every day. What job does "For example" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → gives an examplePrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.
  2. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. The library is closing early today. ___, we will read in the classroom instead. (Although / Because / Therefore / For example) → ThereforePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?

Watch out for

  • Writing everything at once without planning.
  • Editing only spelling and not whether the writing makes sense.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Give reasons with because, also and so.
  • Use concrete materials: a model text.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-3.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Some birds cannot fly, such as penguins and ostriches. What job does "such as" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  2. Question 2

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months.

    • A. For example
    • B. Although
    • C. Because
    • D. Therefore

  3. Question 3

    Cats are clean animals. For example, they wash themselves every day. What job does "For example" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  4. Question 4

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. The path was icy. ___, the park keeper closed it.

    • A. For example
    • B. Also
    • C. Because
    • D. Therefore

  5. Question 5

    Many fruits are full of vitamins. For instance, oranges have lots of vitamin C. What job does "For instance" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  6. Question 6

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Plastic straws can harm sea animals. ___, many cafés now use paper straws.

    • A. As a result
    • B. Because
    • C. For example
    • D. Although

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Answer key: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

  1. 1. B. gives an example

  2. 2. A. For example

  3. 3. B. gives an example

  4. 4. D. Therefore

  5. 5. B. gives an example

  6. 6. A. As a result