"What happens if I knock over all of the dominoes," your curious child asks, and you realize that they have already begun to explore the concepts of cause and effect. In basic terms, a cause explains why something happens and an effect is a description of what happened. Young children engage in learning that is meaningful to them, so introducing ideas of cause and effect will help them explore answers to all of their "why's."
As your child grows, so does their understanding of how their behavior affects others, of how the planet is affected by the weather, and the effects of the economy on their own lives at home. We've compiled of list of great books and resources for reinforcing the exploration of cause and effect at every elementary grade level.
Grade 1
Understanding cause and effect at this grade is kept simple and is presented well with the following fictional picture books:
1. If You Give a Dog a Donut
This series uses rhythmic text and fun illustrations to show that when you keep giving the pup what he wants, he only wants more.
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2. The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
This classic tale has been loved for generations. The repetitive onomatopoeia gives a song-like quality to this story while the cause and effect lessons are clear and distinct.
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3. Pink Snow and Other Weird Weather by Jennifer Dussling
Learn about the weirdest, wackiest, wildest weather ever--and what makes it happen--in this easy-to-read nonfiction text. Full of fun and engaging facts that are sure to please even the pickiest readers.
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Grade 2
4. Why Do You Cry?: Not a Sob Story by Kate Klise
A sweet story that not only teaches cause and effect but helps young readers realize that everybody cries sometimes.
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5. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Named a Notable Book by the American Library Association, this wonderful story teaches the effects of bullying and teaches kindness and self-esteem.
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6. Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier
gentle story of a young girl who is hidden away during World War II and is then reunited with her grandmother years later. A cartoon-style picture book that tells this story with grace.
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Grade 3
7. When I Grow Up...by Peter Horn and Cristina Kadmon
This is a great book to introduce signal words such as if, then, so, before, after, because, and since. The beautiful artwork and charming story of a father and son add to this enriching tale.
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8. Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale written by Ruby Dee and illustrated by Susan Meddaugh
For a more advanced lesson, this book will help the student delve into cause and effect without the use of signal words. It also teaches some analytic thinking skills by showing there is more than one way to get things done.
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9. The Planets by Gail Gibbons
This nonfiction picture book introduces the solar system to young readers and uses facts about the planets and their position in the system to show how it affects each planet.
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Grade 4
10. Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
Historical fiction set during the Civil War and based on true events from the author's family history of an interracial friendship during a time of slavery. It is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming and is a great example of multi-generational effects.
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11. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale by Verna Aardema
Winner of the Caldecott Medal, this classic fable may seem a bit too young for this age group, but it is a fantastic way to teach cause and effect and it has the added benefit of teaching a bit about the genre of myths and folklore used to explain why things happen in nature.
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12. Earth: Feeling the Heat by Brenda Z. Guiberson
This nonfiction book focuses on climate change and the effects it is causing on the animal kingdom. It has beautiful illustrations and graphics that visually represent the global connections among all living beings.
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Grade 5
13. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
You know the movie, but have you read the book? This classic tale is probably the ultimate tale of cause and effect. You can't go wrong with the beautiful illustrations and you'll be surprised by the little gems you'll only find in the book.
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14. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson
This Newberry Medal Winner has been a favorite children's book for over four decades. This beautiful story of two imaginative friends and their adventures in the woods of Terabithia will enchant and delight you. '
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15. Who Was Amelia Earhart? by Kate Boehm Jerome
A good nonfictional text that describes Amelia's journey to overcome the challenges for women during the 1930's to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. With additional information about American culture during this time, it's a solid history text as well.
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16. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
A heart-warming story about a boy who finds solace on "the other side of town." It dives deeply into the topic of racism and how it affects everyone in a small town. This award-winning author delivers a story filled with compelling characters and themes of love, friendship, and finding joy in uncommon places.
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Grade 6
17. Keeping the Night Watch by Hope Anita Smith
Told through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy, it is a story of a family struggling with the effects of an absent father returning home. It is essentially a novel in verse, with over 30 accessible poems and watercolor illustrations that build the story of CJ's everyday life.
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18. Chess Rumble by G. Neri
This story explores the ways the game of chess empowers young people with the skills they need to anticipate and calculate their moves through life. Told from the first-person point of view, we empathize with Marcus and his feelings of frustration and rage, we feel his vulnerability and understand his plight to be seen.
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19. Cause & Effect by Frank Schaffer Publications
This workbook is a compilation of short reading text, worksheets, and activities designed to teach the concepts of cause and effect. A useful tool for the classroom or homeschool to reinforce a child's reading skills.
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20. Holes by Louis Sachar
This National Book Award Winner is a fantastic tale of what happens when a boy adventures beyond his family's "curse" to discover the treasures beneath his feet. It is an engaging page-turner with twists and turns you won't see coming!
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