Time Conjunctions

Ernie and Jane are sending cards to their family and friends. Each card has a photo of their favourite thing that happened this year. What wonderful memories! On the back, Ernie and Jane want to write what they were doing in the pictures. They have their lists ready, but need to learn about "Time Conjunctions" to finish their cards. Time conjunctions are words that tell us WHEN something is happening. We start by putting our story events in order of one, two, three so they make sense.

Now, we can use these special words, 'FIRST', 'NEXT', 'FINALLY', to turn our list into a story. We call these TIME CONJUNCTIONS. They help writers keep their stories in order AND show time passing from beginning to end. Let's look at our list. Number one is first on the list, so we can use the word first in its place. Number two is second on the list, so we can use the word next in its place. Three is the last number on our list, so we can use the word finally in its place. Our final step is to RE-WRITE our new sentences next to each other. And voila, our list is now a story!

Let's teach Jane together! Here is Jane's list: One, I got on the plane. Two, I jumped out. Three, I landed! Our first step is to switch the number ONE with the word FIRST. FIRST, I got on the plane. Then, we switch the number TWO with the word NEXT. NEXT, I jumped out. Our last step is to switch the number THREE with the word FINALLY. FINALLY, I landed! We can then re-write our new sentences next to each other. Let's read Jane's card togther! FIRST, I got on the plane. NEXT, I jumped out. FINALLY, I landed! Now that Jane's cards are ready, let's help Ernie. Ernie's list says: One, I got a box. Two, I opened the box. Three, I hung my new hammock! Start by switching number ONE with FIRST. First, I got a box! Then, switch number TWO with NEXT. Next, I opened the box. And then switch number THREE with FINALLY. Finally, I hung my new hammock! Now, re-write the new sentences next to each other. Let's read Ernie's card together! First, I got a box! Next, I opened the box. Finally, I hung my new hammock! "Let's post our cards!" As Ernie and Jane send the cards, let's remember! Today we learnt about the time conjunctions, first, next, and finally. They tell us WHEN something happens. We can switch the numbers in a one-two-three list with the words FIRST, NEXT, and FINALLY. When we use time conjunctions, we tell the reader the order in which something happened. Then, we re-write the sentences next to one another to finish the story! Look what's waiting when they return home!