How do I write stories that make sense to readers?

In this lesson, you will learn how to guide your audience through your story by using

transition words.

Let’s Review

Writing Prompt

People say, “Practice makes perfect.” Think about a time when you had to practice something a lot before mastering it. Write a story about a time when you had to practice something for a long time before understanding it.

Let’s Review

Making a Plan

Writing the Sentences

Revising

Brainstorming Ideas

Understanding the Question

Let’s Review

1. My mom signed me up for swim lessons and we bought a new suit.

2. I was really nervous, but the teacher was so nice!

3. We used kickboards that helped us float and learn to kick.

4. I was worried that I would sink without the kickboard, but I didn’t. I was so proud!

Jot down the beginning, middle, and end of your story.

A Common Mistake

Writing sentences without transition words such as “after that” and “next.”

REMEMBER: Help guide your

audience with transition words!

Core Lesson

Reread your story.1

2 Look for parts of the story when the setting (time or place) of your story changes.

3Add transition words, such as, “Next…”“After that…” and “Finally…”

Core Lesson

1 Practice Makes Perfect

My mom told me that I was going to take swimming lessons every day in July. She took me to the department store to buy a new bathing suit. My sister told me that learning to swim is easy. I was super nervous. I didn’t think it would be easy for me.

Core Lesson

2 Practice Makes Perfect

My mom told me that I was going to take swimming lessons every day in July. She took me to the department store to buy a new bathing suit. My sister told me that learning to swim is easy. I was super nervous. I didn’t think it would be easy for me.

Where does the story

transition?

Core Lesson

3 Practice Makes Perfect

My mom told me that I was going to take swimming lessons every day in July. PREVIOUSLY, she took me to the department store to buy a new bathing suit. BEFORE MY FIRST LESSON, my sister told me that learning to swim is easy. I was super nervous. I didn’t think it would be easy for me.

Core Lesson

Reread your story.1

2 Look for parts of the story when the setting (time or place) of your story changes.

3Add transition words, such as, “Next…”“After that…” and “Finally…”

In this lesson, you have learned how to guide your

audience through your story by using transition words.

Guided Practice

The third week of lessons my teacher Sam told us that we would practice without kickboards. I was scared. I was sort of excited. I think that I knew I could do it if I really tried.

1) Reread this section of my story.

Guided Practice

2) Look for parts of the story when the setting (time or place) of your story changes. Where would you add transitions?

The third week of lessons my teacher Sam told us that we would practice without kickboards. I was scared. I was sort of excited. I think that I knew I could do it if I really tried.

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

My family is going to have a barbeque dinner. My dad will start the grill. My sister will set the table. My mom will make salad. I like to help by tasting the food while it’s still being made.

Now try this new skill with another draft.

Extension Activities

Extension Activities

I am in charge of feeding my dog, Rusty. I get fresh water for his water bowl. I put one scoop of food in his food dish. I call his name to tell him dinner is ready!

Now try it again with another draft!

Let’s Review

Quick Quiz

I went for a bike ride with my friend. We went to the park in our neighborhood. We went to her house for a snack. I went home.

Below is a draft of student writing without transition words. Read the draft and add transition words.