Explanation Mistakes
Learn about common mistakes so you can avoid them! 🤔
📖 Learn
Everyone makes mistakes when learning to explain! Let's learn what NOT to do so we can be better explainers. 💭
❌ Mistake 1: Saying "I don't know"
Why it's a mistake: You probably DO know something! Even a small idea is a good start.
Better choice: Try to say ANY reason. "Maybe because..." is okay!
❌ "I don't know why the cat is on the couch."
✅ "Maybe because the couch is soft and comfy!"
❌ Mistake 2: Just repeating the question
Why it's a mistake: Repeating doesn't give a reason!
Better choice: Add NEW information with "because."
❌ Question: "Why is the ball round?" Answer: "Because it's round."
✅ Question: "Why is the ball round?" Answer: "Because round things roll better!"
❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting "because"
Why it's a mistake: Without "because," you might just give a fact, not a reason!
Better choice: Always start your reason with "because."
❌ Question: "Why is the ice cream melting?" Answer: "It's hot."
✅ Question: "Why is the ice cream melting?" Answer: "Because it's hot outside!"
❌ Mistake 4: Making things up that don't match
Why it's a mistake: Your reason should match what you SEE or KNOW!
Better choice: Use evidence from the picture or story.
❌ (Picture shows sunny day) "It will rain because I see dragons."
✅ (Picture shows sunny day) "It's nice outside because I see the sun shining!"
💡 Remember These Tips!
- Always TRY to give a reason - even a guess is better than "I don't know"
- Add NEW information - don't just repeat the question
- Use "because" to start your reason
- Look at the picture or think about the story for clues
💡 Examples
Let's practice spotting mistakes and fixing them! 🤔
Example 1: Spot the Mistake!
Question: Why is the girl wearing boots?
Answer: "I don't know."
❌ Mistake: Saying "I don't know"
✅ Better Answer: "Because it might be rainy or muddy outside!"
Example 2: Spot the Mistake!
Question: Why is the apple red?
Answer: "Because it's red."
❌ Mistake: Just repeating - no real reason!
✅ Better Answer: "Because that's the color it grows!"
Example 3: Spot the Mistake!
Question: How do you know the baby is hungry?
Answer: "The baby is crying."
❌ Mistake: Forgot to say "because"!
✅ Better Answer: "Because the baby is crying and reaching for food!"
✏️ Practice
For each answer below, decide: Is it a GOOD explanation or does it have a MISTAKE? Then fix the mistakes! 🤔
Practice 1
Question: Why does the dog have a leash?
Answer: "I don't know."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Saying "I don't know"
✅ Better: "Because the dog might run away without it!"
Practice 2
Question: Why is the flower yellow?
Answer: "Because that's how it grew!"
Good or Mistake?
Show Answer
✅ GOOD! This uses "because" and gives a real reason!
Practice 3
Question: How do you know the boy is tired?
Answer: "Because he is tired."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Just repeating the question!
✅ Better: "Because he is yawning and rubbing his eyes!"
Practice 4
Question: Why is the kite in the air?
Answer: "The wind is blowing."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Forgot "because"!
✅ Better: "Because the wind is blowing!"
Practice 5
Question: Why does the car need gas?
Answer: "Because gas makes the car go!"
Good or Mistake?
Show Answer
✅ GOOD! Uses "because" and explains with evidence!
Practice 6
Question: How do you know it's someone's birthday? (Picture shows a cake with candles)
Answer: "Because I see elephants dancing."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Made something up that doesn't match the picture!
✅ Better: "Because I see a birthday cake with candles!"
Practice 7
Question: Why is the snowman melting?
Answer: "Because the sun is making it warm!"
Good or Mistake?
Show Answer
✅ GOOD! Great explanation with "because" and evidence!
Practice 8
Question: Why is the book open?
Answer: "Because it's open."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Just repeating!
✅ Better: "Because someone is reading it!"
Practice 9
Question: How do you know the plant needs water?
Answer: "Maybe because the leaves look droopy!"
Good or Mistake?
Show Answer
✅ GOOD! "Maybe" is okay - it still gives evidence!
Practice 10
Question: Why is the moon out?
Answer: "Umm... I don't really know."
Good or Mistake? How would you fix it?
Show Answer
❌ MISTAKE - Saying "I don't know"
✅ Better: "Because it's nighttime!"
✅ Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What are the 4 common mistakes when explaining?
Show Answer
💡 The 4 mistakes are:
- Saying "I don't know"
- Just repeating the question
- Forgetting to say "because"
- Making things up that don't match
Question 2: Is "Maybe because..." an okay way to start an answer?
Show Answer
💡 YES! "Maybe because..." is much better than "I don't know." It shows you're trying!
Question 3: What should you do instead of saying "I don't know"?
Show Answer
💡 Try anyway! Look at the picture, think about what you know, and give your best guess with "because" or "maybe because."
🚀 Next Steps
- When you catch yourself saying "I don't know," stop and try again!
- Practice with a grown-up - ask them to help you fix mistake explanations
- Move on to mixed practice in the next lesson!