Writing worksheet · Narrative writing organizers

Transition Words for Stories

A short pond story with six blanks for first, next, then, suddenly, after that and finally, then three sentences to write.

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Grade level
Grades 2–3
Time
About 20 minutes
Answer key
Yes, page 2 of the PDF
Kids practice
Narrative writing, Story planning, Sequence and transitions, Details and description

What kids do

“Transition words move a story from one part to the next. Fill in each blank with a word from the bank. Use each one once.”

Printed on the sheet:

  1. Write three sentences about your morning. Start each one with a transition word.

Words on this sheet

FirstNextThenFinallyAfter that

Teacher tip

Have kids act out the pond story as you read it, pausing at each transition word.

How to use it

  • Let kids plan in drawings or quick notes, not full sentences.
  • Give kids time to tell their story to a partner before drafting.
  • Model the first answer on the board, thinking out loud as you write.

Watch for

Kids who spend the whole time drawing. Set a timer for the sketch.

Talk about it

  • What is the problem in your story?
  • Which sentence on your sheet are you proudest of? Why?

Take it further

Have kids act out their stories in small groups.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.

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