📖 ReadingLevel 1Lesson 22
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Reading Simple Instructions

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Identify the four key features of instructions: title, materials, numbered steps, and action words
  • 2Understand why instruction steps must be followed in the correct order
  • 3Sequence simple instruction steps in the correct order
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Mini Lesson

Instructions are a type of nonfiction writing that tell you how to do something — step by step. You find them in recipes, craft guides, game rules, and many other everyday texts. Reading them carefully is a vital life skill.

Four key features of instructions

  • Title — tells you what you will make or do. Often starts with "How to…"
  • Materials / You will need — lists the things you need before you start.
  • Numbered steps — each step is numbered so you know the order. Never skip or swap steps!
  • Action words (imperative verbs) — each step begins with a doing word telling you exactly what to do: cut, spread, place, press, fold, stir, mix.

Why order matters

  • Instructions must be followed in order — if you do them out of order, the result will be wrong.
  • Example: you must spread butter on the bread BEFORE you add the filling — not after!
  • Signal words: First… Then… Next… After that… Finally…

How to read instructions

  • Read the title — what are you making?
  • Read the materials list — do you have everything?
  • Read ALL the steps before you start.
  • Follow one step at a time, in order.
Four numbered steps with simple action iconsA numbered list of four steps. Each step has a simple action icon next to it: an arrow, a circle, a click or tap pointer, and a star.Numbered Steps1Startmove forward to begin2Circledraw a circle around the word3Clicktap the answer you choose4Finishyou did it — great job!
Four numbered steps — arrow, circle, click, star — each action in order.
How to make a sandwich — three-step recipe cardA recipe card titled How to Make a Sandwich with three numbered steps — spread, add, close — each with a small illustration.How to Make a Sandwich1Spreadbutter oneach sliceFirst2Adda slice ofcheese on topThen3Closepress slicestogetherFinally
Three-step recipe card — spread, add, close — each with its own illustration.
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Ask yourself: "What is the action word in this step? Do I have everything I need? What comes first?"

Vocabulary
Instructions
A nonfiction text that tells you how to do or make something, step by stepe.g. A recipe, a craft guide, or game rules.
Materials
The list of things you need before you start — also called "You will need"e.g. bread, butter, cheese, knife, plate.
Action word
A doing word at the start of a step that tells you what to doe.g. cut, spread, place, press, fold, mix, stir.
Signal word
A word that shows the order of stepse.g. First, Then, Next, After that, Finally.
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