# Lesson 4: Link Ideas with Transition Words

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Writing with Structure

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## Objective

I can use transition words (e.g., first, next, also, because, however, finally) to connect ideas inside a sentence and between sentences so my writing flows smoothly.

## Materials

- Pencil ✏️ and eraser
- Ruled paper or tablet
- Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Choose transitions that match the job—time order (first, next), addition (also), contrast (however), cause/effect (because, therefore).

## Mini-lesson — What do transitions do?

1. Time order: first, then, next, after that, finally
2. Add information: also, and, in addition
3. Explain why: because, so, therefore
4. Show contrast: but, however, instead
5. Example: For example, for instance

Flow check: Read two sentences together. If they feel choppy, add a transition that matches your purpose.

Video won’t be included when printing.

## Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace and try these transitions, then write two connected sentences about a hobby:

- Time order: first, next, finally
- Add/contrast: also, however
- Cause/effect: because, therefore

Example: First, I stretch before I run. Next, I jog around the block.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Complete with the Best Transition

Drag a transition into the blank slot so each sentence flows.

First we set up the tent.
Next we gather sticks for the fire.
We packed snacks and also filled our water bottles.
We planned to swim however the water was too cold.
We built a shelter because dark clouds rolled in.
After that we cooked noodles on the stove.
We saw deer and in addition we spotted bright birds.
For example I always bring a small first aid kit.
The trail looked easy but it became steep near the top.
It rained therefore we ate dinner inside the tent.
Finally we wrote about our day in a journal.
We took photos and also saved our map as a souvenir.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) Which transition shows contrast?

also next however

#### 2) Which sentence flows best?

First we mixed the batter. Next we poured it into the pan. We mixed the batter. We poured it. The pan was a pan.

#### 3) Choose the best transition to add information:

finally also however

#### 4) Which shows cause/effect best?

First we arrived. Also we brought toys. We wore boots because the ground was muddy.

#### 5) What transition starts a list of steps?

first however therefore

#### 6) Pick the best transition: “We were tired, ___ we kept hiking.”

also but because

#### 7) Which sentence uses “because” correctly?

We packed raincoats because the sky was gray. Because we packed raincoats the sky was gray. We packed raincoats because we packed raincoats.

#### 8) Best transition to end a sequence:

also because finally

#### 9) Which pair is most cohesive?

We baked cookies. The sky is blue. We baked cookies. After that, we washed the bowls. We baked cookies. Also, the bowl.

#### 10) Best transition for an example:

for example finally however

#### 11) Choose the best fix: “We were late. We ran.”

We were late however we ran. We were late, so we ran. We were late also we ran.

#### 12) Which transition adds information?

finally but in addition

#### 13) Finish the sentence: “We brought a map; ___, we used a compass.”

also because however

#### 14) Which is best to show contrast?

for example instead next

#### 15) Best sentence:

We ate. Finally. We ate and however we ate. We were hungry; therefore, we ate.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Uses transitions for time order where needed Adds transitions to combine ideas smoothly Chooses because/therefore for cause & effect Uses however/but for contrast correctly

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can pick the best transition for each job 🙂 I need more practice with contrast vs addition 😅 It was tricky to make sentences flow

#### I will practice…

Time order transitions Cause & effect transitions Reading aloud to check flow
Lesson 5 →