Reread for the Link
Learners circle linking words, name the relationship and explain how one changes the meaning.
Worked classroom example
Geography
Track how “therefore” links a physical process to its effect on a settlement.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Select a paragraph with clear connectors such as because, however or therefore.
- Learners circle the connector and label the relationship it signals.
- Remove or swap one connector and discuss how the meaning changes.
Materials and purpose
a paragraph with cause, contrast or sequence links
Noticing links helps readers follow how ideas relate across a text.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a paragraph with cause, contrast or sequence links. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Learners circle linking words, name the relationship and explain how one changes the meaning.
Check independent transfer
Remove or swap one connector and discuss how the meaning changes.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
What relationship does this linking word signal?
“What does the source actually say, and what are you inferring?”
“What cannot be concluded from this evidence alone?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Chunk the source, gloss essential terms and model one evidence selection. Keep the question’s reasoning demand. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.