Level 1 • Lesson 62 — Reading simple instructions

Objective

Read simple instructions and follow the steps in order so a task can be done correctly.

Materials

Pencil/paper for the activity
The Sound Pad (bottom right corner) to hear letter and digraph sounds

Mini-lesson — Instructions tell you what to do first, next, and last

Sometimes we read instructions. Instructions are short sentences that tell you how to do something.

Instructions often come in a list with steps. They tell you:

what to do first
what to do next or then
what to do last

You might see instructions when you:

play a board game
build a toy
make a snack
do a simple science experiment

Good instruction words include:

first, next, then, last
put, mix, draw, cut, glue

Good readers of instructions:

read all the steps before they start
follow the steps in order
check: “Does this step come before or after the others?”

You can use these frames:

“First I _____.”

“Next I _____.”

“Last I _____.”

Today, you will read short sets of instructions and choose the step that makes the directions clear and correct.

Picture strip: Simple instruction steps

Guided Practice — Mini-book: Reading simple instructions

How to use this mini-book:

Read the title and all the steps.
Notice the words first, next, then, and last.
Think: “If I follow these steps in order, what will happen?”

On your paper, choose one set of instructions and copy the steps using: “First I ___.” “Next I ___.” “Then I ___.” “Last I ___.”

Useful instruction words

first next then last step follow order

Frames: “First I ____.” “Next I ____.” “Last I ____.”

Mini-Book: Reading simple instructions

1

How to water a plant

First, check that the soil feels dry, not wet.

Next, pour a little water into the pot until the soil is damp.

Then, make sure extra water can drain out the bottom.

Last, put the plant back in a sunny place.

2

How to pack your backpack

First, put your folder and reading book inside.

Next, add your pencil case and homework.

Then, zip the backpack all the way closed.

Last, hang it by the door so you do not forget it.

3

How to make a simple card

First, fold a piece of paper in half.

Next, draw a picture on the front.

Then, write a short message inside.

Last, sign your name at the bottom.

4

How to start a board game

First, read the title and look at the game board.

Next, read the rule card with an adult.

Then, put the pieces on the start spaces.

Why is it important to read the rules before you begin?

Reading Practice — Which step makes the instructions clear?

Read each set of simple instructions. Drag the step that makes the best sense in order into the box. Chips stay in their own question. Then press “Check sentences.”

How to brush your teeth.
Step 1: .
Step 2: Put toothpaste on the brush.
Step 3: Brush all of your teeth.

wet your toothbrush eat a cookie go to sleep

How to make a sandwich.
Step 1: Put peanut butter on one slice of bread.
Step 2: Put jelly on the other slice.
Step 3: Press the bread together.
Step 4: .

eat your sandwich put the bread back in the bag wash the sandwich in the sink

How to line up.
Step 1: Stand up and push in your chair.
Step 2: .
Step 3: Wait in line without talking.

walk quietly to the door run around the room hide under the desk

How to do a craft project.
To make sure you understand, the first thing you should do is .

read all of the steps before you start skip the steps and guess throw away the instructions

How to make a fizzy cup.
Step 1: .
Step 2: Drop the tablet into the water.
Step 3: Watch the bubbles form.

pour water into the cup spill the cup on the floor put the cup in your backpack

How to clean up your desk.
Step 1: Throw away any trash.
Step 2: .
Step 3: Close your notebook and stack it neatly.

put your supplies back in the bin spread papers all over the floor hide trash in your desk

How to finish a game.
Step 1: Play until the game is over.
Step 2: Shake hands or say “Good game.”
Step 3: .

put the game pieces back in the box throw pieces across the room leave the game in the hallway

Getting ready for school.
Step 1: Put on your clothes.
Step 2: .
Step 3: Put on your shoes.

brush your hair after you get dressed put on shoes before clothes go back to bed

Do not touch the hot pan.
The instruction tells you to .

do not touch the hot pan touch the pan to test it pick up the pan with bare hands

You are reading instructions to build a small toy.
The best way to use the instructions is to .

follow the steps in the order they are written skip any steps that look hard mix up the steps and guess

Quick Check — Reading simple instructions

What are instructions?

A story that never ends Short steps that tell you how to do something Pictures with no words

Which set of words is used to show order?

big, bigger, biggest yesterday, today, tomorrow first, next, then, last

You see instructions that say “First, wash your hands. Next, dry your hands.” What should you do first?

Wash your hands Dry your hands Put on your shoes

Why is it important to read all the steps before you begin?

So you can skip the parts you like So you know what to do and in what order So you never finish the task

What is a good way to explain what you learned from instructions?

“I did whatever I wanted.” “I read only the last step.” “I can tell what to do first, next, then, and last.”

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Can explain that instructions are steps that tell how to do something Uses order words like first, next, then, and last correctly Can choose the step that belongs first, next, or last in a simple task Follows a short set of written or read-aloud instructions to complete a task

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can read simple instructions and follow the steps 🙂 I need more practice with instructions 😅 Instructions still feel tricky

I will practice…

Looking for the words first, next, then, and last Reading all the steps before I start a task Telling someone what to do first, next, then, and last

Lesson 62: Reading simple instructions