Cause and Effect: what is it

What: a mini lesson on 'Cause and effect' for writing.

So what: I discovered that it was important to use explicit teaching or showing/guided writing/independent writing model to support students to take on new learning.   In preparation explanation writing,   I ran a short cause and effect lesson.  First I told my group what cause and effect was after generating some PK.  I used a variety of simple models so it was clear to my group what I was trying to do.  Then, I used Think-Pair-Share, and students thought a one in pairs.  I gave them sub-coordinating conjunctions to use and a 'cause'.  It was interesting to see that the struggle students had at this first attempt.
After that we shared back and gave each other feedback.  Then I repeated the activity but students had ago on their own.  i noticed their confidence grow as we do this a few more times.  Finally, some students provided their own simple cause and effect sentences.  I found it worthwhile to use simple terms and to use their own topics for the modelling activity as well.

Now what: To try and this structure more often and use simple terms and vocab so students can focus on the skill and not the content.