Lesson 26: Write Instructions or How-To Steps

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟣 D. Functional Writing

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Objective

I can write clear how-to instructions with a short purpose line, a materials list, and numbered steps that use sequence words (first, next, then, finally) and imperatives (action verbs).

Materials

Tip: Start each step with a verb. Keep steps short. Add safety or cleanup at the end if needed.

Mini-lesson — What makes good how-to writing?

  1. Purpose: Tell what the reader will make or do.
  2. Materials: List what’s needed before starting.
  3. Numbered steps: Use first, next, then, finally. Begin each step with an action verb (mix, fold, attach).
  4. Details where needed: Add times, amounts, or cautions to avoid confusion.
  5. Test it: Read your steps aloud; ask, “Could someone follow this exactly?”

Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then draft a short how-to: How to make a paper airplane (5 steps):

  • Key words: materials, fold, crease, launch, finally
  • Example outline:
    1. Purpose & Materials
    2. First, fold the paper in half lengthwise.
    3. Next, fold the top corners to the center crease.
    4. Then, fold the wings down evenly.
    5. Finally, test and adjust the tips.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: Start steps with action verbs. Add cautions like “Be careful with scissors.”

Drag & Drop — Build Clear How-To Steps

Drag chips into slots to make clear, numbered instruction sentences. Keep punctuation at the end.

Firstgatheryourpaperandaflattable.
Nextfoldthepaperinhalflengthwise.
Thenpressthecreasefirmlywithyourfingers.
Nowfoldthetopcornerstothecenterline.
Afterthatfoldbothwingsdownevenly.
Thenpinchthebacktomakeastrongspine.
Ifthenosebendsuptrimatinybitwithscissors.
Finallylaunchtheplanegentlyandadjustthewings.
Writeamaterialslistbeforeyoustartthesteps.
Usenumberssoreadersfollowtheordereasily.
Addcautionslikebecarefulwithhotpans.
Endwithcleaninguporstoringmaterialssafely.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) What belongs near the beginning of a how-to?

2) Which sentence uses an imperative?

3) Best order words for steps:

4) Which line is most helpful to readers?

5) Where do safety tips usually go?

6) Which heading fits how-to writing?

7) Choose the clearest step.

8) Good how-to steps should be…

9) Which is a purpose line?

10) What helps readers follow the order?

11) Which sentence adds a useful detail?

12) Best way to begin a step:

13) If a step is unsafe, you should…

14) What should readers be able to do after your how-to?

15) Best closing step:

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

I will practice…

Lesson 27 →