Introduction to Conjunctions Lesson - Lower Primary

Designed as a lesson to introduce younger children to conjunctions. The lesson provides a simple explanation of what a conjunction does. The lesson focuses on four different conjunctions: and, because, but, so. It shows children what each of these conjunctions mean and shows examples of how they can be used in sentences.

The lesson takes the form of a highly interactive presentation that is structured in four chunks as follows:

• What is a conjunction?
• Examples of conjunctions (introduced to the 4 chosen conjunctions)
• Using (four-chosen) conjunctions in sentences
• Activities

By using just 4 conjunctions, it is hoped that younger children will develop a basic understanding and competency of conjunctions and how to apply them to their writing without becoming overly confused or overwhelmed. This lesson helps to introduce younger children to the principles of conjunctions in sentences, so they can later progress onto to using more advanced conjunctions with minimal difficulties, drawing on the foundational understanding gained in this lesson.

The lesson is highly interactive and students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning. It is certainly not a lesson to sit and listen too. Students are asked questions throughout and encouraged to problem-solve to come up with their own solutions; the lesson offering its own solutions for reference as it progresses.

Throughout the lesson aims to be applicable to wider literacy skills, writing, and real-life skills. Showing children examples of conjunctions in sentences occurs throughout the lesson, with the third section showing multiple step-by-step processes of how sentences can be constructed with conjunctions. Every time a sample sentence is provided, the topic of the sentence is always something relevant and appropriate for younger children for example sentences about animals, food, the beach, games etc.

The final section of the lesson includes four suggested activities. These take the form of games to add a physical element to the lesson. Games include musical corners and a listening game. There is also a short, simple rhyme included at the end to help children remember what a conjunction is and the examples they’ve looked at.

Colour and subtle animations are used throughout to aid memory and provide aesthetic interest. A worksheet pack is also available from this author’s shop which would accompany this lesson, however this is not compulsory. There is enough content within this resource to be a standalone lesson, therefore, removing the need for any worksheet based activities.