Level 3 • Lesson 4 — Link Ideas with Transition Words

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?

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

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

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.

Firstwesetupthetent.

Nextwegathersticksforthefire.

Wepackedsnacksandalsofilledourwaterbottles.

Weplannedtoswimhoweverthewaterwastoocold.

Webuiltashelterbecausedarkcloudsrolledin.

Afterthatwecookednoodlesonthestove.

Wesawdeerandinadditionwespottedbrightbirds.

ForexampleIalwaysbringasmallfirstaidkit.

Thetraillookedeasybutitbecamesteepnearthetop.

Itrainedthereforeweatedinnerinsidethetent.

Finallywewroteaboutourdayinajournal.

Wetookphotosandalsosavedourmapasasouvenir.

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 4: Link Ideas with Transition Words