The Missing Link

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Demonstrate the concept of using conjunctions or other transitional words in a variety of contexts such as the following: for the purpose of contrast (but), for a collection of objects (and), as a cause (because), to show a result (so), as a condition (if), or to provide additional examples or support (in other words).
• Write these examples on the board or a piece of chart paper for students to reference later in the lesson.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into groups or pairs.
• Distribute six to eight colored pieces of paper (two different colors) to each group.
• Tell the students to use one colored strip for the transition word or conjunction and the other color for the content that is connected.
• If needed, model the process of writing sentences using the different colors of paper.
• Give the class several transition words or conjunctions to use as connections in parts of their sentences. For example, the following words can be used: and, but, for, nor, yet, after, although, because, since, though, unless, in other words, for example.
• Give the students time to create sentences that include the use of transition words or conjunctions.
• Provide additional prompting or partial sentences if students need extra help.
• After all students have finished, invite them to share their work and place sentences in the pockets of the pocket chart.

Independent working time

• Ask the students to complete the worksheet Linking Up Ideas.
• Circulate around the room and provide additional prompts as needed.