✏️ WritingGrade 2Lesson 29
← Back🔒 PDF with full access

Write Directions or Steps for a Task

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Write clear step-by-step directions for a simple task using the sequence words first, next, then, and finally
  • 2Start each step with an action verb after the sequence word and comma
  • 3Include only one action per step so a reader can follow the directions without help
📘

Mini Lesson

Directions are step-by-step instructions that guide someone through a task. Think of a recipe, a craft guide, or game rules — all of these use directions. Good directions are so clear that someone who has never done the task before can follow them perfectly!

The Four Sequence Words

  • First — the very first step. What does the person do before anything else?
  • Next — the second step that comes right after the first.
  • Then — the steps that come in the middle.
  • Finally — the last step. The task is now complete!
  • These words signal to the reader exactly where they are in the process.

Start Every Step With an Action Verb

  • An action verb tells the reader exactly what to DO.
  • Examples: Get, Take, Fill, Put, Stir, Press, Open, Pour, Close, Carry, Write, Draw
  • Correct: "First, fill the glass with cold water."
  • Wrong: "First, the glass should have water." (no clear action)
  • After the sequence word and comma, the action verb comes immediately.

Rules for Clear Directions

  • One step per sentence — never put two actions in one step.
  • Be specific — say exactly how much, how many, or how long.
  • Write a title — How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich.
  • Test your directions — could someone follow them without your help?
Sequence word chain showing First, Next, Then, FinallyFour connected boxes labeled First, Next, Then, and Finally — each with an example direction step for making a sandwich.Sequence WordsFirstGettwoslicesofbread.→NextSpreadbutterononeslice.→ThenAddjamontheother.→FinallyPressthetwoslicestogether.Each step = one action verb + one action
Sequence word chain — First (Get bread), Next (Spread butter), Then (Add jam), Finally (Press together) for making a sandwich.
Clear versus unclear direction step examplesTwo versions of the same step — an unclear version with no action verb and a clear version starting with an action verb and sequence word.Clear vs. Unclear StepsX Unclear (no action verb):"The glass should have cold waterin it before anything else."What should I DO? It does not say!add sequence word + action verb✓ Clear (sequence word + action verb):"First, fill the glass with cold water."Sequence word + action verb = crystal clear!
Unclear step (no action verb) vs. clear step — "First, fill the glass with cold water."
💡

Ask yourself: "Did I use a sequence word? Does my step start with an action verb? Is each step just ONE action? Could a stranger follow these directions?"

Vocabulary
Directions
Step-by-step instructions that guide someone through a task from start to finishe.g. How to Wash Your Hands / How to Plant a Seed
Sequence word
A signal word (first, next, then, finally) that tells the reader where they are in the processe.g. "First, fill the glass. Next, add ice. Finally, stir it."
Action verb
A word at the start of each step that tells the reader exactly what to DOe.g. Get, Fill, Press, Pour, Stir, Fold, Cut, Open, Add
Step
One single action in a set of directions — each step should contain only ONE actione.g. "First, turn on the tap." is one step with one action.
Title
The heading at the top of a set of directions that tells the reader what task the directions are fore.g. "How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich"
Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.

  • ✓ All 1,680 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
  • ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
  • ✓ Printable lessons with answer key
Start your 7-day free trial →
Already convinced? See full membership plans →
← Lesson 28: Make a To-Do or Shopping ListLesson 30: Write a Short Recipe →