Download Transitional Phrases Writing Lesson Plan

Transitional Phrases Writing Lesson Plan
Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1c
Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion
and reasons.
Objective: Students will use transition words to connect ideas and create a logical flow in
their own writing.
Materials: Transitional phrases handout, The Mitten passage (original), The Mitten passage
(without transition words), Purple color pencil, Document camera,
Procedure
1. Lesson Introduction/Objective
 Last week we started writing our realistic fiction drafts and this morning Mrs.
Bongiovi began discussing setting to help us become better readers and writers.
 Today we will be looking at a writing passage from one of my favorite books, The
Mitten by Jan Brett, to learn how to use transition words in our own writing. As
good writers, it is important to use transition words so that your ideas stick
together and are bridged smoothly. After I teach you the importance of using
transition words, we will have the opportunity to explore our own writing and
use it effectively
2. Teach and model
 When a story is changing its setting or time, you must use a transition word. But
that is not the only time you should use a transition word because you can also
use a transition word to express sequence, to show comparison, to show
examples, to show contrast, and to show cause.
 Before we continue, I want you to take out two things, a purple color pencil and
your transition word list from your finishing folder. When you have both of
those things, I want you to put them at the corner of your desk to let me know
that you are ready to learn! Mrs. Bongiovi and I will be passing out a copy of the
beginning of the book The Mitten. When you receive this paper, you may find
something interesting because I deleted all the transition words that were in the
original copy of the book.
 I’m going to read the first sentence aloud to you.
 “There was a boy named Nicki who wanted his new mittens made from
wool as white as snow.”
 In this sentence, I deleted one transition word from the beginning
 The sentence originally read, “Once there was a boy named Nicki who wanted
his new mittens made from wool as white as snow.”
 As writers, transitions are an important addition to our writing because it makes
our writing more attractive and interesting for the audience.
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Now read through the rest of this passage and turn the paper over when you are
finished.
The purpose of reading The Mitten with missing words is to understand why
transition words are important in our writing.
We use transition words to connect our ideas!
3. Guided Practice
 Following the modeling, provide another example, and have students assist you
as you continue to take the lead in teaching the strategy.
 Now we are going to use an original copy of The Mitten.
 With your shoulder partner you are going to underline with your purple color
pencil all of the transition words in this passage. As you underline the transition
words think about why the author would place the transition word in that
location in the writing.
 When you are finished flip your paper over and put your color pencil down
showing me you are ready.
 I am setting the timer for 3 minutes so when it goes off I want your full attention!
 Teacher note: display The Mitten passage with highlighted marks on the
document camera
 Now that you had time to go through the original writing of The Mitten, let’s talk
about what you discussed with your partner.
 I’m going to read this passage aloud and read along on the screen as you will
hear how the transition words help connect different ideas.
4. Independent Practice
 Once students show confidence in using transition words, have students take out
their realistic fiction writing and add transition words. Using a purple color
pencil students should underline any transition words that they already used
and then add at least two transition words. When students finish they should
give their writing to their shoulder partner so they can find places that need
transition words.
 But remember you can use you chart but if you are reading your partners
writing you should not have your purple color pencil out because we only write
on our own writing not the work of others.
 I am setting the timer for 20 minutes and the timer goes off I want your full
attention so we can share what we changed in our writing today.
5. Assessment
 Students will be successful if they understand why transition words are
important in professional writing and they will apply what they learned in their
own realistic fiction writing.
Role of Mrs. Bongiovi during the lesson
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Focus on Lindsey’s time management during the lesson and give reminders throughout the lesson
Circulate around the classroom when needed
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Focus on Lindsey’s teaching for feedback