Context clues
Context clues are hints in the words around an unfamiliar word that help you work out its meaning, such as a definition, a synonym, an opposite or an example.
English · Ages 6–7 · 50 minutes
Joining ideas with and, because and but
Children use the conjunctions and, because and but to join two ideas into one sentence, choosing the one that fits the meaning.
Success criteria
- I can join two ideas with and
- I can give a reason with because
- I can show a surprise or a change with but
Key vocabulary
- conjunction
- join
- reason
- idea
- sentence
You will need
- conjunction cards and because but
- sentence-half strips
- mini whiteboards
- a large paper chain or two linked hoops
Curriculum links
- Year 2· England
- Grade 1· United States
Practice sheets
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Build a sentence
Cause and effect
The Tiny Seed
1.Starter
7 minutesFinish my sentence: say the first half and let children call out endings.
"I put on my coat because..." it was cold. It was raining.
"I wanted to play outside, but..." it was raining. My friend was ill.
"I ate my lunch and..." I had a drink. I went to play.
Ask, "Did the little word in the middle change what you said next?" It did. The word steers the sentence.
2.Teach
12 minutes"Words that join ideas together are called conjunctions. Each one has a different job."
Hold up the cards one at a time, with a gesture for each:
- and (two hands together): adds another idea. I have a cat and a dog.
- because (pointing back): gives a reason, answering "why?" I was tired because I went to bed late.
- but (hands going in different directions): shows a surprise or a change. I like apples but I don't like pears.
Model joining two short sentences on the board: It was sunny. + We went to the beach.
"Which conjunction fits? It was sunny and we went to the beach. Fine. Now let's flip it: We went to the beach because it was sunny. Ooh, that tells us why. Which do you prefer?"
Then show I wanted ice cream. + The shop was closed.
"Can I use because? I wanted ice cream because the shop was closed. That doesn't make sense! The shop being closed isn't the reason I wanted ice cream. It's the problem. So it's but."
