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  • 3rd Grade
  • Speech & Language
  • About 10 minutes
  • See it all: a chart to keep

How and Why Chart

When you explain how, tell the steps in order. When you explain why, give a reason.

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How and Why ChartName:Date:When you explain how, tell the steps in order. When you explain why, give a reason.Explaining HOWTell the steps in order. Use order words.FirstNextThenLastHow do you plant a seed?First,digasmallhole.Next,dropintheseed.Then,coveritwithsoil.Last,waterit.Explaining WHYGive a reason. Add a fact or an example.becausesothat's whyWhy do we wear helmets on bikes?Wewearhelmetsbecausetheyprotectourheads.Ifyoufall,thehelmettakesthebump,soyourheadstayssafe.When you talk:1Speak clearly.Say each word all the way.2Not too fast.Pause between steps.3Look at your listener.Check that they understand.4Stay on topic.Every detail should help.k5printables.com · Sheet #95924601 · Aligned with Common Core SL.3.4

How to do it

  1. Read the order words and the example for explaining how.
  2. Read the reason words and the example for explaining why.
  3. Practice the four speaking tips.

Teaching tip

Keep the chart nearby when your child plans a talk or answers a why question. This sheet is aligned with Common Core SL.3.4.

How and Why Chart for 3rd grade (explaining how and why), free printable
Printable preview

About this 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.

What kids practice

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.

Watch for

  • 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.

It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full explaining how and why guide for 3rd grade.

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