$4.00
When young writers learn a few transition words, they tend to use the same ones everywhere, even when the words don’t fit. This Use Transitions That Match Your Structure unit is a set of revision mini-lessons that teaches 2nd- and 3rd-graders to use text structure transition words in opinion and informational writing. Students learn four named text structures (sequence, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and problem/solution) and practice choosing the transitions that match each one.
This print-and-teach resource is designed to fit inside your existing writing lessons. It teaches one revision move, using transitions that match the text structure, so you can teach it as a short sequence and then use it whenever students revise their own drafts.
The informational passages focus on how a puddle evaporates, how hail forms, how rain and snow differ, and how farmers protect crops from frost, so your writing block builds science content knowledge at the same time!
In each genre, students begin with an exploration lesson. They study two versions of the same passage, one without transitions that match its structure and one with them, and name what the transitions add. Then three activities move from most supported to most independent:
Samples are included for every activity in both genres. The sample explanations model specific craft reasoning, so students can see what a strong explanation looks like.
Telling students to “make it better” doesn’t give them anything to act on. A named strategy paired with side-by-side models of weak and strong writing does. Students see the difference, name the technique, and practice it across three activities, so the skill has a chance to carry into their own writing.
This resource uses the same exploration and application framework as my Write On! Grammar Integration resources. Grammar builds sentence-level skills and revision builds craft-level moves, so the two series work well in the same writing block. You don’t need the grammar resources to use this one.
It’s also one of eight strategies in the Write On! Revision Mini-Lessons Bundle, 2nd-3rd Grade.
What are transition words for 2nd and 3rd grade writing?
Transition words connect one idea to the next and show how the ideas are organized. This resource teaches transitions for four structures: sequence, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and problem/solution. Students practice choosing the one that fits.
How does this resource teach students to use text structure transition words?
Students first compare a passage without matching transitions to the same passage with them, and name what changed. They then choose transitions for a named structure, label sentences by the structure they signal, and finally find and fix transitions that signal the wrong structure.
Is this a full writing unit?
No. It teaches one specific revision move (using transitions that match the text structure) and is designed to be used inside your existing opinion and informational writing lessons.
Do I need the Write On! Grammar resources to use this?
No. The two series are designed to work together, but each one stands on its own.
Please remember, this purchase is for the use of one teacher. It is not intended to be shared. Please use the ‘additional license’ purchase if more than one teacher will be using it. Thank you!
Copyright © Ideas By Jivey, LLC
All rights reserved by author, Jessica Ivey.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.
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