Level 2 • Lesson 29 — Write Directions or Steps for a Task

Objective

I can write clear step-by-step directions for a simple task using action verbs (mix, cut, fold), time words (first, next, then, finally), and short sentences that stay in order.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and paper (or tablet)
Tracing Pad (below)
Optional: sticky notes to number steps

Tip: Start each step with an action word (Verb first!). Keep one action per step.

Mini-lesson — How to write directions that work

Plan the goal: What will the reader be able to do at the end?
Order your steps: Use first, next, then, finally to keep the sequence clear.
Action verbs: Begin steps with verbs like put, stir, fold, draw.
Keep it short: One idea per sentence. Add safety notes if needed (Ask an adult.)
Test it: Read your steps aloud and imagine following them.

Guided Practice — Trace key words and draft steps

Trace and use these words to write directions for making a paper airplane:

Key words: first, next, then, finally, fold, crease, fly
Example outline:
1. First, fold the paper in half and crease.
2. Next, fold the top corners to the middle line.
3. Then, fold the wings down.
4. Finally, test-fly your plane.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Put the Steps in Order

Build clear directions for common tasks. Use First, Next, Then, Finally.

Firstspreadpeanutbutterononeslice. Nextspreadjamontheotherslice. Thenputtheslicestogether. Finallycutthesandwichinhalf.

Firstcheckifthesoilisdry. Nextfillthewateringcan. Thenpourwaterslowlyintothesoil. Finallywipeanyspillsandputthecanaway.

Firstcrossthelacesandpulltight. Nextmakealoopwithonelace. Thenwraptheotherlacearoundtheloopandpullthrough. Finallypullbothloopstotighten.

Firstputnotebooksinthebigpocket. Nextaddyourpencilcaseandfolder. Thenplaceyourwaterbottleontheside. Finallyzipthebagandsetitbythedoor.

Firstturnonthewaterandwetyourhands. Nextaddsoapandscrubfortwentyseconds. Thenrinseoffallthesoap. Finallydryyourhandswithacleantowel.

Firstplacetheplateinthecenter. Nextputtheforkontheleftandspoonontheright. Thensetthecupabovetheknife. Finallyaddanapkin.

Firstcheckthatthesharpenerisempty. Nextinsertthepencilgently. Thenturnthepenciluntilthepointissharp. Finallyemptytheshavingsintothebin.

Firstmovebooksandpaperstotheside. Nextwipethesurfacewithacloth. Thenputsuppliesbackneatly. Finallyrecycleanytrash.

Firstcutastripofpaper. Nextcolorasmalldesign. Thenwriteyourname. Finallylaminateoraddcleartapetoprotectit.

Firstwriteyournameanddateatthetop. Nextreadalldirections. Thencompletethefirstproblemcarefully. Finallycheckyourworkbeforeturningitin.

Firstwashyourhands. Nextmeasurethefood. Thenpouritintothebowl. Finallygivefreshwaterandcleanup.

Firstfoldthepaperinhalf. Nextdrawapictureonthefront. Thenwriteashortmessageinside. Finallysignyourname.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which word best starts a step?

because fold blue

2) Which order makes sense?

Finally → First → Next Then → Finally → First First → Next → Then → Finally

3) Best step for “make a sandwich”:

Put the slices together. The bus is here. Sandwiches are cool.

4) A safety note is helpful when…

drawing a cat using scissors coloring with crayons

5) Which is an action verb?

carefully bright stir

6) Which step belongs in “wash your hands”?

Rinse off the soap. Read a book. Jump high.

7) Good reason to keep steps short:

Steps look taller. Easier to follow. Uses more ink.

8) Which time word signals the last step?

Next Then Finally

9) Best first step for “start homework”:

Write your name and date. Close your eyes. Eat cereal.

10) If a step is out of order you should…

shout it move it to the right place delete all steps

11) Which sentence is not a step?

Fold the paper in half. Put supplies back neatly. My paper is pretty.

12) Good direction words are…

first, next, then, finally cat, dog, mouse red, blue, green

13) Which belongs in “pack a school bag”?

Paint a wall. Put notebooks in the big pocket. Bake cookies.

14) When you read steps aloud you should check…

if they rhyme the color of the paper if the order is clear and complete

15) Which best ends a set of directions?

Finally, enjoy your finished work! First, begin again. Next, think about lunch.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Steps begin with clear action verbs Steps use time words to show order One idea per step; sequence is logical Safety notes included when needed

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write clear step-by-step directions 🙂 I need more practice using time words 😅 It was tricky to keep steps in order

I will practice…

Starting steps with action verbs Using first, next, then, finally Reading steps aloud to test them

Lesson 29: Write Directions or Steps for a Task