Transition Words for Kindergarten

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Transition words for kindergarten are essential tools that help young children connect their thoughts and make their stories flow better. These simple phrases act like bridges between sentences, teaching kids how to explain what happened next or why something occurred. Using words like first, next, and then helps children organize their ideas logically. Teachers and parents can use these words to guide students in creating clear, understandable narratives during early literacy activities.

Best Transition Words For Kindergarten

first: Use this to start a list of events or ideas. Example: First, we put on our shoes.
next: Use this to show what happens after the current step. Example: Next, we tie our laces.
then: Use this to continue a sequence of actions. Example: Then we walk to the park.
last: Use this for the final item in a group. Example: Last, we wave goodbye to friends.
because: Use this to give a reason for something. Example: We eat snacks because we are hungry.
so: Use this to show a result or effect. Example: It rained so we stayed inside.
but: Use this to show a difference or contrast. Example: I wanted to play, but it was too cold.
also: Use this to add another similar idea. Example: I like blue and also I like green.
however: Use this to show a surprising difference. Example: She was tired, however she kept playing.
finally: Use this to end a long sequence. Example: Finally, the cake was ready to eat.
after: Use this to show something happens later. Example: After lunch, we went for a walk.
before: Use this to show something happens earlier. Example: Before bed, we read a book.
when: Use this to talk about a specific time. Example: When the sun sets, we go home.
since: Use this to show something started in the past. Example: Since it rained, the ground is wet.

More Transition Words for Kindergarten by Purpose

too: Purpose: Addition. Example: I want a cookie, and my brother wants one too.
while: Purpose: Comparison. Example: The cat sleeps while the dog runs.
instead: Purpose: Choice. Example: We can play tag instead of building a tower.
meanwhile: Purpose: Time. Example: He read a book meanwhile she drew a picture.
even though: Purpose: Contrast. Example: Even though it is cold, we play outside.
if: Purpose: Condition. Example: If it stops raining, we will go outside.
unless: Purpose: Condition. Example: We play outside unless it storms.
although: Purpose: Contrast. Example: Although the wind blew, we flew the kite.
once: Purpose: Time. Example: Once the sun comes up, we wake up.
during: Purpose: Time. Example: During the game, everyone cheered loudly.
until: Purpose: Time. Example: We wait until the bus arrives.
throughout: Purpose: Time. Example: Throughout the day, we learned new words.

Transition Words for Kindergarten in Example Sentences

First, we wash our hands before eating lunch.
Next, we sit at the table and listen to the teacher.
Then, we open our books and read the story.
Last, we close our books and say goodbye.
We eat our apples because they are crunchy and sweet.
It was sunny so we played outside in the grass.
I like red, but my friend likes blue instead.
We also found a big rock near the river.
She was tired, however she did not stop running.
Finally, we went home and took a nap.
After the rain stopped, the puddles were gone.
Before we slept, we brushed our teeth.
When the clock rings, it is time for recess.
Since the bird sang, we know it is morning.

Weak Choices and Better Ones

and then: Use 'then' alone for a cleaner sound.
so like: Use 'also' for a more standard addition.
like: Use 'for example' or 'such as' for clarity.
then again: Use 'however' for a stronger contrast.
at the same time: Use 'meanwhile' for a shorter, smoother phrase.

Tips for Using Them

Start by teaching children just three or four transition words at a time, such as first, next, and last, to avoid overwhelming them. Practice these words through daily routines like getting dressed or eating lunch so kids hear them often in natural settings. Encourage students to use these words in their drawings or oral storytelling before asking them to write them down. Read picture books that use these transitions frequently and point them out aloud to help children recognize the pattern. Always praise effort when a child tries to use a transition word, even if the sentence is simple, to build confidence.