English lesson plan · 4th grade (Year 5 in England) · 45 minutes
Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result
Writing & Editing
CCSS W.4.2.CCCSS W.4.1.CEngland: Y4 Writing (cohesion)England: Y5 GPS (cohesive devices)
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
- 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: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore
Leads to: Hook your reader: choose the strongest opening; Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly
Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. The path was icy. ___, the park keeper closed it. (Therefore / Because / For example / Also) → ThereforePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
- 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.
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Plastic straws can harm sea animals. ___, many cafés now use paper straws. (Because / As a result / Although / For example) → As a resultPrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
Hook · 5 min
- Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
- Share the objective: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Cycling keeps you fit. ___, it is a cheap way to travel.
- Step 1: Linking phrases guide the reader from one idea to the next.
- Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Cycling keeps you fit. In addition, it is a cheap way to travel."
- Step 3: So the answer is: In addition
- Answer: In addition
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Penguins are flightless. ___, they cannot fly. (Consequently / For example / Furthermore / In other words) → In other wordsPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
- Bats are mammals. Furthermore, they are the only mammals that can truly fly. What job does "Furthermore" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → adds another pointPrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
You do: independent practice · 10 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 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- The battery ran out. Because of this, the robot stopped moving. What job does "Because of this" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → shows a resultPrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
- Choose the linking phrase that fits best. The plant is deciduous. ___, it loses its leaves every autumn. (In addition / In other words / As a result / For instance) → In other wordsPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
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: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore.
- 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: Hook your reader: choose the strongest opening; Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly.
- 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-4.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder