Signal Words
What signal word could you use to signal something happening at the beginning of the story?
First (teacher discretion)
Before Kaya went outside, he put on warm clothes and mittens. Then, he put on snow boots. When he was all dressed, Kaya went out into the yard. He found a flat space to build his snowman. He made three small snowballs. Then, he added more and more snow. Soon, the snowman was taller than Kaya. Finally, he added sticks and a carrot nose.
What happened before Kya went outside?
He put on warm clothes and mittens.
What is an event?
A thing that happens, usually something important.
What signal word could you use to show two things happening at the same time?
Meanwhile (teacher discretion)
Dara baked some fresh chocolate chip cookies. After they finished cooking, she waited for them to cool. Next, she took out a plate and a glass. When she went to pour a glass of milk, she discovered there were only a few drops left. She wanted to eat her cookies while they were hot. Dara poured herself a glass of water instead and enjoyed her cookies. Later, Dara remembered that she still needed milk. So, she went to the store to buy a carton.
What does the transition word later show?
It showed that Dara still needed milk after eating her cookies.
What does the word FINALLY show?
Coming last in a sequence; at last.
What signal word could you use to describe something that happens at the end?
Finally, last (teacher discretion)
The aliens' spaceship broke down. They made an emergency landing on the closest planet. After landing, they climbed out to find help. Soon, the aliens found a small town. They talked to many of the townspeople and asked them for help fixing the spaceship. But no one knew what was wrong with it. After a long day of searching, they were just about to give up. Suddenly, a creature came up to one of the aliens and said, "I'm a mechanic! Let me see your ship!" She fixed their ship for them. Finally, the aliens waved goodbye to their new friends and flew off.
What happened LAST?
The aliens flew away from the planet where they'd landed.
What is a transition word?
A word or phrase used in writing to connect ideas.
FREEBIE - Give an example of a signal word that has not been used in the game so far.
Teacher discretion.
Three witches were making a potion. First, they took out their spell book. Then, they put the ingredients into their pot. After the potion began to boil, they poured it into a bottle. Later, the witches sold the potion at the market.
What happened LAST?
The witches sold their potion.
What does SEQUENCE mean?
The order in which things happen.
Durell followed the footprints into the hallway. He followed them down the hall and into the bathroom. Finally, Durell saw Slippers swimming happily in the tub!
What does the transition word FINALLY show?
It shows that Durell saw Slippers in the tub after following the footprints for a long time.
Jakub was studying for a big science test. He read his textbook to learn more about plants. Meanwhile, his sister Isabel rode her bike outside. She was only three, so she didn't have any studying to do.
What word signals that Jakub and Isabel were completing tasks at the same time?
Meanwhile
What's another word for SIMULTANEOUSLY?
Hint: It's a key word used in sequencing to show two events happening at the same time.
Meanwhile