Teacher Talks: Video playlist

Hello, I am Ms Williams and today we’re learning how to use the word “because” in our writing.

Why?

Because it’s fun.

We use the word “because” to join ideas in our writing.

Usually this is to explain how or why something is the case.

For example:

I needed to borrow a pencil because I lost my pencil case.

This person needed to borrow a pencil because they couldn’t find their own. “Because” tells us why the person needed a pencil.

Let’s try an example together with a creative challenge.

The sentence “Nadir missed the bus” makes sense on its own.

However, aren’t you curious why Nadir missed the bus?

Me too.

Using the word “because” we can give more information.

So, let’s remove the full stop and add “because”.

Have a think about what you can add to finish the sentence. You can put me on pause while you think.

So, why did Nadir miss the bus?

How about:

Nadir missed the bus because his alarm clock did not go off.

Or possibly:

Nadir missed the bus because an alien stopped him to ask for help.

Which is your favourite reason?

The great thing about joining sentences with “because” is that we can use “because” at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle.

Let’s see this with our examples:

I needed to borrow a pencil because I lost my pencil case.

Could also be written as:

Because I lost my pencil case, I needed to borrow a pencil.

Now, I know you will like this next example:

Nadir missed the bus because an alien stopped him to ask for help.

Can you move “because” to the beginning?

That’s right:

Because an alien stopped him to ask for help, Nadir missed the bus.

Excellent. Time to take it up a level.

We’ve reminded ourselves how to use “because” and how to switch around sentences using it.

So, for the next two sentences, it’s your turn to decide whether the sentences use “because” correctly. Let’s go.

Edie bought a present, because it was her.

Does this sentence make sense?

Yes or no?

Thumbs down?

Yes, that’s right.

The sentence is unfinished and does not use “because” correctly.

Let’s fix it:

Edie bought a present because it was her friend’s birthday.

Thumbs up now.

Next one:

Because he was scared, the dog ran under the table.

What do you think?

Does the sentence make sense?

Yes or no?

Thumbs up?

Yes, that’s right.

It makes complete sense.

And we could read it the other way too:

The dog went under the table because he was scared.

Double thumbs up for all of you.

Amazing effort everyone.

Today try writing five sentences with “because” in the middle and at the start.

I know you will be able to do it because you are smart.

Because you are smart, I know you’ll be able to do it.

Good luck!

For more help, challenges and games on this subject, visit bbc.co.uk/bitesize