Signal words are simply transitions. (I refer to "a, an, and the" as
articles.) I use the term "signal" to establish the fact that the writer
"signals" the reader the order of events or details in a paragraph by
using such words.

Lesson:  The use of signal words in writing
 
Purpose: Signal words, commonly known as "transitions" are helpful to both 
         writer and reader for good paragraph organization.
 
Activity:  Use paragraph samples which contain good use of signal words
in chronological order, spatial order, or emphatic order.  I type
sentences from sample paragraphs as separate lines, then cut apart and
place in envelopes with the paragraph topic listed on the envelope. 

	In small groups, students determine the proper sequence of the
sentences. Many times students will need to revise their initial
determination of the sequence.

Sample paragraph (time order):

	I can still remember my sixth birthday. That morning, I woke up with 
great anticipation of what the day would bring. By afternoon, all my aunts, 
uncles, and cousins had arrived. While the adults visited, I gazed longingly
at the pile of presents on the coffee table in the living room. Finally, it 
was time for dinner and birthday cake. Once I blew out the candles, I could 
open my presents at last. I started, of course, with the boxes that looked 
like clothes. To my dismay, I did not get any toys. Then my dad left the 
room only to return with a shiny new bike. Everyone clapped as I climbed 
onto the seat of the best present of all.


	After students successfully piece together the paragraphs, we discuss
the importance of signal words in time, spatial, and emphatic order.  
I also use an overhead projector to show each paragraph written in
paragraph form.  Students then brainstorm additional signal words and
list on a chalkboard.
 
	Finally, students write their own paragraphs using signal words.


--Cindy Godby