"Writing Clear Directions; - Viatouch

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Writing Clear Directions
by Lori Fillmore

Title: Writing Clear Directions

Subject: Language Arts

Grade Level: Upper Elementary Grades (4-6)

Objective: Giving good directions is a skill that is essential throughout one's life. Learning to write clear and precise directions will not only help students hone in on that skill, but will also help them improve the detail in all of their writing. Students will be able to write detailed step-by-step directions by writing a how-to paragraph on frosting a cookie.

Time needed: 1 - 2 lessons (45 min each)

Materials: Chart Paper, Markers, Bread, Butter Knives, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Sugar Cookies (one for each member of the class), Frosting, Bowls, Writing Paper, Pencils

Instructions:

Have students brainstorm order words, such as "first, second, third, before, next, after, finally". These words can be written on index cards and added to a classroom word wall if desired.
Conduct a shared writing experience on a large piece of chart paper by having the students help you write the steps to making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Next, make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich following the students' step-by-step directions exactly. The results are often humorous if you follow the directions quite literally (i.e. If the students did not specify taking the lid off the peanut butter, then you must smear the peanut butter on the bread by rolling the jar over the bread.)
Ask the students if they would like to edit the step-by-step directions, or add any further directions to clarify the directions.
Give each student a sheet of writing paper and a pencil. Have them write step-by-step directions for frosting a sugar cookie.
After all of the students have completed the writing task, have them swap papers.
Put out materials to frost sugar cookies. Ask the students to frost the cookies by following the step-by-step directions that have been handed to them.
After the activity is complete, allow students to eat the cookies, then peer-edit the paper that they were handed if needed.
Collect the papers and redistribute them to the authors, and have them create a final edited copy to turn in.

Extra: Another writing task may be assigned, in which the student writes a how-to paper on an activity that they love to do.

Lori Fillmore has a degree in Elementary Education and has had teaching experience in multiple grades. She currently works as a mother and freelance writer. Her work has been or will apppear in Fun for Kidz, Boys' Quest, and Hopscotch magazines, as well as the Viatouch website. Lori currently lives in Rigby, Idaho with her husband and three children.

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