Curated OER
Connectives
Using connectives and conjunctions is an easy way to vary sentence structure. Third graders review the given connectives, then use them to combine two simple sentences. The second section allows learners to use more words and phrases as...
Curated OER
Common Transition Words: Grades 4 - 12
A practical guide to transition words and phrases, this handout could be a useful addition to any pupil's notebook or binder. Transition words are placed in a chart and labeled by type. For example, words that show comparison are grouped...
Curated OER
Connective Blockbusters
A very clever language arts game awaits your class in this short language arts presentation. Connective words and phrases such as: so, however, unless, until, as well, and even though are on a game board. Pupils must make up a sentence...
Curated OER
The Different Kinds of Connectives
Connectives are words that link clauses or sentences. Conjunctions link clauses with in a sentence, so get ready to bring two thoughts together with this slide show on connectives. Listed are various types of connectives used to compare...
Curated OER
Connectors Exercise: Transitional Words
Transitional words and phrases make writing smooth and ease oral fluency. This resource gives English  learners a chance to practice using common connecting words and phrases like above all, firstly (sic), instead, etc. Answers are...
Curated OER
Make the Connection
Students practice connecting words into phrases. They use the Declaration of Independence to help them connect phrases.
Curated OER
Connecting Words Worksheet
In this connecting words activity, students read ten sentences. From two choices, students select the connecting word that best completes the sentence.
EngageNY
The Painted Essay for Opinion Writing: Developing a Conclusion and Adding Linking Words
Let's get colorful! Scholars use the Painted Essay technique to analyze and color code the conclusion of a model essay. Working in small groups, pupils then write a conclusion paragraph for their draft editorials about offshore drilling.Â
Curated OER
Compound and Complex Sentences
Does your class need to work on compound and complex sentences? Consider this learning exercise! This fine learning exercise has learners use connecting words to join 8 sentences, so that simple sentences become compound and complex...
Curated OER
Latin Roots Cern, Jur, Leg: Fill in the Blanks Quiz
MyVocabulary.com features three levels of words for each root; this fill-in-the-blanks quiz contains a word bank of beginner vocabulary containing the roots cern/cer/cre, jur/jus, and leg. You can print it out, or your learners can take...
EngageNY
Our Group Readers Theater: Managing the Sequence of Events in Our Script
Go with the flow. Scholars learn how using transition words and phrases helps their scripts flow smoothly. Readers think about connecting each section after determining the sequence for their readers' theater manuscripts from To Kill A...
Curated OER
Word Origins
Understanding a word's etymology can really help with decoding and building vocabulary skills. Readers compare and contrast words of similar origins but with different difficulty levels. They focus on prefixes, suffixes, and affixes....
San José State University
Transition Words
Translate transition words for your class with this handout and brief exercise. Fairly straightforward and informative, it includes sample sentences and a working link to a more complete list of transition words. There are two different...
Florida Center for Reading Research
Fluency: Connected Text, Speedy Phrases
Pairs help each other with reading fluency using phrase flashcards! Learners take turns reading short phrases aloud. They have one minute to read as many correctly as possible while their partner sorts the cards into a yes or no pile. At...
EngageNY
Whole Class Model Letter Writing: Organizing Reasons and Evidence and Using Transition Words
Where's the evidence? Scholars practice ordering the evidence and reasons for their class opinion papers by physically sorting them. Next, they work collaboratively to write a body paragraph, using linking words to connect their ideas...
Curated OER
Sentence Search: Clauses and Phrases
Practice using clauses and phrases with this worksheet. Middle schoolers connect the words using horizontal and vertical lines to form sentences. Use this worksheet as a fun class activity or as a homework assignment.
Curated OER
Phrases and Clauses
Clarify the different types of phrases and clauses that young writers can use to vary their sentence structure. A helpful slideshow presentation encourages your class to fix sentences by adding more interesting phrases and clauses,...
EngageNY
Summarizing Notes: Planning a Graphic Novelette, Part II: The Invention of Television
Let's work together! Using the collaborative resource, scholars work in triads to begin section two of their storyboards about Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of the television. They then practice using linking words and phrases to...
Scholastic
What Happened Next? (Grades K-4)
Explore the structure of narrative writing with this fun, collaborative lesson. Start by reading aloud a short story, asking small groups of learners to fill in key events on a large story board prepared on the class whiteboard....
Curated OER
Worksheet 8: Which Word Doesn't Belong?
Students study 12 sets of 4 words and check the word or phrase in each set that does not belong with the other 3 words. These types of worksheets provide excellent practice for standardized tests.
Curated OER
Word Roots 1: DICT, VENT, DUCT Beginner Synonym or Antonym Word Puzzle
Acquaint your class with synonyms, antonyms, and word roots with this vocabulary exercise. For this activity, learners choose one synonym and one antonym for each vocabulary word, using a word bank. Although the connection to word roots...
Curated OER
Word Roots 2: FIN, SED, FER Advanced Synonym and Antonym Word Puzzle
A quick exercise clarifies antonyms and synonyms and their connection to word roots. Using a word bank, pupils fill in an antonym and a synonym for each of six words. This resource is online and delivers immediate feedback.
Curated OER
Word Roots 4: GRAD, MOT, CAD Advanced Match 3
Access vocabulary knowledge with this online exercise. For this activity, learners match words to their definitions by choosing a letter from the drop-down menu provided for each word. This series of vocabulary exercises focuses in...
Curated OER
Word Roots 3: JUR, CERN, LEG Advanced Puzzle 1, 2, & 3
Investigate word roots and build vocabulary with this online resource. Using a word bank, information about Latin roots, and a definition, learners fill in the missing letters in each word. This activity prompts pupils to think about the...