Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

Conjunction, junction, what's you're function? Well, the function is to help smooth out writing. Teach your kids about FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to hit coordinating conjunctions, which plug together independent clauses and combine different types of sentences.

Subordinating conjunctions do pretty much the same thing, but there are many more words than just FANBOYS. (While, however, since, though, that, when, until, whether, etc.) If you come up with a simple acronym for these ones, keep us in the loop.