The relationship between cause and effect is a crucial higher order thinking skill for all ages. A toddler soon discovers that their actions create results – like if they run by the pool they could slip. Much like an adolescent learns that their actions have consequences that can affect their lives. The books and activities that I recommend in this post will get students thinking about how things impact each other and let them further explore cause and effect relationships.
Before reading any of these stories, it is important to first dive into what cause and effect mean. The cause refers to what caused something to happen, where the effect is the result of the cause – because it was storming outside (cause), we had to stay inside for recess (effect) or because we didn’t water the plants (cause), our plants died (effect). Giving students these real live examples before diving into a text can be really beneficial in activating prior knowledge and getting them connected to their learning.
Because
by Mo Willems
Not only is this a beautiful story that can open up conversations about students own hopes and dreams, but it is such a great introduction to cause and effect. In this moving tale students can see how just one piece of music can change people’s lives. It shows the domino effect of how we can do one thing that can affect others in a big way. This book teaches the important lesson that magic can happen, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It happens with lots of work and persistence.
Because I Stubbed My Toe
by Shawn Byous
When a young boy stubs his toe it sets off a sequence of silly events. Just when it looks like things can’t get worse for this young boy, he gets a sweet surprise. Students will be able to identify cause and effect relationships as they enjoy this story. Use my resources on Teachers Pay Teachers to have students cut and paste the cause and effect as they listen to the story. They can also practice writing their own effects as well as writing about a time when something that started bad turned into something good.
The Rain Came Down
by David Shannon
It’s raining and the people in town are not happy about it. The rain causes a chaotic chain of events that disrupt the town. Then the sun comes out and it sets off another chain of events that are much more pleasant. Another great book by David Shannon that shows how cause and effect work in daily life. If you need activities to go with, check out my resources on Teachers Pay Teachers!
Stuck
by Oliver Jeffers
What will happen when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree? Using kid-logic, this hilarious story sets off a chain reaction of cause and effect relationships that will have students guessing what he will throw up the tree next to get his kite down. Use my FREEBIE to enhance the lesson!
What are your favorite books to use for teaching cause and effect? Comment below!!
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