Explaining how and why worksheets
Aligned with Common Core SL.3.4
Printable 3rd grade speaking practice: a how-and-why chart, putting steps in order, picking the best reason, answering why with because, a how-to planner and a talk planner with a speaking checklist.
The worksheets
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How and Why Chart
Explaining how with first, next, then and last, explaining why with because and so, each with an example, plus four tips for speaking to a listener.
Put the Steps in Order
Three everyday how-to tasks with the steps mixed up, like brushing teeth or planting a seed. Includes an answer key.
Pick the Best Reason
Five why questions, each with one real reason and two true facts that don't explain anything. Includes an answer key.
Why? Because...
Four why questions with because to trace and handwriting lines for the reason. The answer key has example answers.
How-To Planner
A how-to planner with an idea list, a topic line and four step boxes, plus a check box for teaching it out loud.
My Talk Planner
A planner for a short talk with a start, three details and an ending, plus a speaking checklist for the speaker and the listener.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
Explaining is a big part of how kids show what they know. Explaining how means telling the steps in order, using words like first, next, then and last. Explaining why means giving a reason with words like because and so, then adding a fact or example. In 3rd grade, kids are expected to tell about a topic or an experience with facts and details that fit, and to speak clearly at a pace their listener can follow.
What comes next
Use the talk planner for book reports and show-and-tell, and practice explaining how and why in other subjects, like how a plant grows or why the seasons change.
How to teach it
- Start with the chart. Practice the order words and the reason words out loud.
- Act it out. Have your child explain something they do every day, like making a sandwich, while you follow the steps exactly as they say them.
- Ask why often, and wait for a because. A full answer gives a reason, not just "I don't know" or "it just is."
- Plan before talking. A short plan with a start, three details and an ending makes talks clearer.
- Use the speaking checklist after each talk. Pick one thing to work on next time.
Common mistakes
- Skipping steps. Something obvious to the speaker may be new to the listener.
- Giving a fact that is true but doesn't explain why. Coats come in many colors, but that isn't why we wear them.
- Talking too fast or too quietly. Pause between steps and check the listener's face.
- Wandering off topic. Each detail should connect to the topic.
- If your child has a hard time putting thoughts into words or being understood, ask a speech-language pathologist for a check.