Third Grade · Writing · week 2

Linking Words Toolbox

Use linking words (first, next, also, because, for example, finally) to connect ideas smoothly within a paragraph.

Linking words are little connector words that show how one sentence relates to the next. They help your reader follow your thinking without getting lost.

Some linking words show order: first, next, then, finally. Some add more information: also, another. Some give a reason: because. Some give an example: for example, such as.

Good writers do not use the same linking word over and over -- they pick the linking word that matches the job each sentence is doing.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Make a small poster or index card together listing linking words in four groups: order, addition, reason, example. Keep it near your writing spot.
  • When your child writes two short, choppy sentences in a row, ask "what linking word could join these?" instead of fixing it yourself.
  • Read a favorite book together and hunt for one linking word on a page -- noticing them in real writing makes the tool feel real.
  • Do not worry about using every category this week; even one well-chosen linking word is real progress.
Talk about it:
  • What job does the linking word "because" do?
  • Can you name a linking word that shows order?
  • Why might a paragraph with no linking words feel choppy to read?

Mastery looks like: They choose a linking word that matches the relationship between two ideas (order, addition, reason, or example) rather than reusing the same word every time.

Common stumbles: Using "and then" for every connection regardless of the real relationship between the ideas; forgetting a comma after an introductory linking word like "First," or "Also,".

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

Transition WordsLink ideas with first, however, therefore, and finally.try →Paragraph BuilderStack a paragraph: topic sentence, details, closing.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Writing for this learner.
← Back to todayAll coursesYear planner