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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. I think dogs make the best pets ___ they are loyal and fun. (or / because / so / but) → becausePrompt: 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? (I think the park is the best place to play because it has a huge slide. / Go to the park. / The park has a slide. / Is the park open today?) → I think the park is the best place to play because it has a huge slide.Prompt: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
  3. Choose the linking word that fits. I love winter ___ I can build snowmen. (but / or / because / so) → becausePrompt: 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. I love autumn ___ the leaves turn red and gold. (as a result / for example / because / therefore) → becausePrompt: 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. Walking to school is healthy. It is ___ good for the planet. (because / also / for example / although) → alsoPrompt: 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

    We stayed in because it was stormy. What job does "because" 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. Because
    • C. Although
    • D. Therefore

  3. Question 3

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Our class should have a reading corner ___ it would help us enjoy books.

    • A. therefore
    • B. however
    • C. for example
    • D. because

  4. Question 4

    The bridge was closed since the river had flooded. What job does "since" do?

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

  5. Question 5

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Walking to school is healthy. It is ___ good for the planet.

    • A. although
    • B. also
    • C. because
    • D. for example

  6. Question 6

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Dogs make great pets ___ they are loyal and playful.

    • A. for instance
    • B. therefore
    • C. however
    • D. because

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

  1. 1. A. gives a reason

  2. 2. A. For example

  3. 3. D. because

  4. 4. A. gives a reason

  5. 5. B. also

  6. 6. D. because