English lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 60 minutes
Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly
Writing & Editing
CCSS W.5.2.CCCSS W.5.1.CEngland: Y5/6 Writing (cohesion)England: Y5 GPS (adverbials)
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly.
- 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 to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result
Leads to: the next skill in this area.
Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 6 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Our school recycles paper. ___, we compost fruit peel from lunch. (Furthermore / In other words / For example / Consequently) → FurthermorePrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
- Some materials are magnetic, for example iron and nickel. What job does "for example" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → gives an examplePrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
- Choose the linking phrase that fits best. The river flooded the fields. ___, the farmers could not plant their crops. (In addition / As a result / In other words / For instance) → As a resultPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
Hook · 6 min
- Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
- Share the objective: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 12 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: Choose the transition that fits best. Cheetahs are incredibly fast. ___, they get tired after a short sprint.
- Step 1: Transitions show the reader how the next idea relates to the last one.
- Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Cheetahs are incredibly fast. However, they get tired after a short sprint."
- Step 3: So the answer is: However
- Answer: However
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 12 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 transition that fits best. Owls hunt at night. ___, bats come out after dark to feed. (In conclusion / For example / However / Likewise) → LikewisePrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?
- Dogs need daily walks. However, cats are happy indoors. What does "However" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.
You do: independent practice · 17 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 · 7 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- The hike was long. Nevertheless, we reached the top. What does "Nevertheless" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.
- Choose the transition that fits best. Reading improves your vocabulary. ___, it can help you relax. (Nevertheless / In addition / However / For instance) → In additionPrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?
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 to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
- 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
- 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-5.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder