English lesson plan · 3rd grade (Year 4 in England) · 60 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 · 6 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.
- Choose the linking word that fits. I think dogs make the best pets ___ they are loyal and fun. (because / or / so / but) → becausePrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?
- Read the question. Which sentence gives an opinion with a reason? (What is your favourite season? / Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny. / Summer comes after spring. / It is summer.) → Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny.Prompt: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
- Choose the linking word that fits. We should plant more trees ___ they give us clean air. (so / but / because / or) → becausePrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?
Hook · 6 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 · 12 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 · 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 linking word or phrase that fits best. I love autumn ___ the leaves turn red and gold. (because / therefore / for example / as a result) → becausePrompt: 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.
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.
- Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months. (Although / For example / Therefore / Because) → For examplePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
- The bus broke down. As a result, we were late. What job does "As a result" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → shows a resultPrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.
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