Mini-Lesson

Cause and Effect

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Objective: Students will identify cause and effect.

1. Start a discussion about cause-effect relationships. Remind students that a cause is the reason something happens, and an effect is what happens as a result.

2. Pass out copies of the Cause-and-Effect Chart. In the first Cause box, have students write, I played video games for three hours yesterday. Then, discuss possible effects. (Examples include: My mom took away the video-game system; I didn't finish my homework and I improved my game.) In the second Effect box, have students write, I missed the school bus. Then, discuss possible causes. (Examples include: I overslept; I forgot my lunch and had to go back home to get it and I was waiting for my brother or sister.)

3. Next, pass out copies of the timeforkids.com news story, Wild Winter Weather. As students read the article, have them jot down effects of the powerful storms in the last space of graphic organizer.