Openers

Openers... the key to starting a good sentence. Without them, children can often get stuck using 'I' 'he/she' or the character's name. Worse still, it is common for a story or recount to contain too many examples of 'then' at the beginning of the sentence. Openers give variety and although they can make a piece seem over the top if used for every sentence, it is good for children to be exposed to them as often as possible. As they become more confident with the openers, they can also begin to be more selective in their choices.
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Openers for Reports

It was first thought…
After some time…
It was found that…
As the investigation came to a close…
After some consideration…
A likely reason…
Evidence was obtained…
Allegedly…
…Withholding information…
It is thought that…
It is believed that…
It was first thought that…
Experts agree that…
A poll showed that…
It is claimed that…
After much consideration…
Having witnessed…
Experts have explained…
Witnesses at the scene…

Openers for Tense

Past Tense
Due to the fact that
Previously
Some time ago
A year ago
It was clear to me that
It was just a little while ago when
Back then
Looking to the year ahead
A while ago

Present Tense
Today
At this very moment in time
Currently
It is clear to me (now) that
At present
Since then
During that time
Whilst the year has gone on

Future Tense
It is hoped that
Hopefully
Looking forward
In the near future
With the year ahead of me
Shortly
Soon enough
With next year gradually approaching
Before long